Tips for Creating a Healthy Relationship with Movement
Andrea Barber of A Few Fun Moves
1. Find a movement community that focuses on moving to feel good, not for aesthetic reason.
There are so many other reasons to exercise and move our bodies that are completely unrelated to how we look. Sleeping better, increased energy levels, stress reduction, injury prevention, and having fun are my personal favourites. Movement can also be a great way to try new things, and meet some new like minded people.
2. Unfollow any fitness accounts on social media that don’t align with your current movement values
Find yourself triggered by the toxic messaging of an online personality? Immediately unfollow them and focus on building a social media community that leaves you feeling inspired. You are in control of who you get to follow, and engage with on your social channels.
3. Mix it up!
Play around with mixing up intensities, workout lengths, and styles. Every day, week, month, or year can look different, and that’s OK. Variety can be a great way to create a balanced movement routine.
4. Take the time to find out how you, and your body enjoy moving. Be patient.
Try taking a mental note, or even starting a movement journal writing down how a type of workout, activity, or movement left you feeling. Energized? Calm? Happy? Strong? Frustrated? Fatigued? Noting these feelings can be a great way to works towards a more intuitive movement practice. Paying extra attention to the movements that keep you wanting to come back for more.
5. Remember to have fun with it!
The traditional mindset that your movement routine only counts if it’s an hour long, and gets you dripping sweat is out. Moving your body for yourself, when and how it feels right to at whatever pace you want is in.
About the Author
Andrea Barber (she/her) is the founder and creator of the online, on-demand movement platform called A Few Fun Moves. AFFM focuses on feel good, fun movement that you an access anywhere, anytime, all at your own pace. Andrea, and the AFFM community are on a mission to get more people moving their bodies for themselves, when and how it feels right to them.
Andrea is a certified ACE personal trainer, and has an associates degree in Exercise Science. Based out of Vancouver B.C, Andrea loves moving her body for her mental health, eating tasting things, and exploring new places on her bike.
