If you, like me, always end up feeling worse about yourself when you try to do those intense and mostly high impact HIIT videos, then here’s a list of 5 ways to move your body that aren’t HIIT workouts.
Let’s find joyful movement!
1. Dancing around the house to music that makes you feel good.
What song do you think of when I ask you to think of a nostalgic, happy song?
Whatever it is, I want you to go and find it right now and pop it on! Chances are that your body will start moving of its own accord anyway!
By building your own playlist of music that makes you feel happy, or makes you need to move/dance/sing/perform, your body will be raring to go! And don’t panic, you don’t need to be concerning yourself with being a professional dancer. We are aiming for joy. Silliness welcome!
This is a great form of movement to pop into your morning routine.
Dance, sing, perform. Get the family involved!
What’s going to make the playlist?!
2. Weightlifting
It’s time for women to move into the free weights section of the gym. In fact, it’s way overdue!
Weightlifting can be a fantastic source of joyful movement, because you’re only ever beating your own achievements as you progress and get stronger.
Weightlifting is amazing for both your mental and physical health, and can do wonders for strengthening the muscles, which can in turn help with joint pains and issues.
The buzz of hitting a new strength PB in the gym is better than anything else I ever tried.
If you’re nervous to start lifting, or if you’re new to it then it’s a great idea to get a qualified PT whose focus is strength training, to show you the basics and help you with form.
Then you’ll be well on your way!
3. Swimming
Whether you want a gentle, slow swim, or to smash out lots of lanes, swimming can be a great and far more gentle form of movement.
It’s also sometimes good to get into a sort of meditative state while you’re swimming, because of the rhythm of movement and breathing you get into during certain strokes.
You’re not racing anyone, and there’s no one to answer to but yourself, so take your time if you need to. Tread water. Float…
Take the swim as you want, and remember that this is for YOU.
Oh and since you’ll need to get cleaned up after a swim anyway, may as well indulge yourself in a Himalayan Salt bath after, to help your muscles recover!
4. Walking
Walking is probably one of the most underrated ways to get your movement in.
Nature. Fresh air. Movement.
So simple, and most times its an instant mood improver! Walking gets your heart pumping without the stress and impact of running.
So get your shoes/boots on, pick somewhere that works for you, and get walking!
Oh and PS – Remember you’re doing this to feel good. Don’t aim for a 10 mile walk or 10k steps if that’s going to make you miserable. Just aim to walk.
5. Horse Riding
Are you an experienced rider? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try.
Horse riding uses a lot more of your body than you may have thought. It can be so much fun, and at the same time your body is getting in some work.
Your core muscles will work super hard, and if you enjoy riding then you’ll have the added bonus of a new hobby too!
Are you looking for more self development ideas?
Read about Growth Mindset here, and check out our reading list of Growth Mindset books for Adults.
