Exercise... fitness... workout...

What comes to mind when you think of these words? What emotions do you feel?

Are these positive or negative feelings? Do these words make you excited or nervous?

Personally, I hope that you feel excited and motivated by these few words, but if not, I understand. Beginning a health and fitness journey is tough for many. Some may feel like they don't know where to start. Some may feel intimidated by the thought of even entering a gym. These are all normal feelings and I've been there. However, you have to find what works for you and what you truly enjoy. You will never see exercise as "fun" if you are forcing yourself to move. You will also never see it as being fun if you are using exercise as a punishment for eating. Movement should be joyful. Movement is about celebrating what your body can do.

So, what are the benefits to thinking of exercise as joyful movement?

Emphasis on more than physical health

Finding your form of joyful movement is not only focused on physical health, it also revolves around mental health. Whenever you physically enjoy what you are doing, chances are that it will reflect mentally. Altogether you feel good about yourself.

You have so many options

There are so many forms of exercise that you can choose to engage in. These can include walking, running, lifting, dancing, taking fitness classes, riding bike, playing sports, etc. It also depends on what your goals are in terms of fitness. The beauty is that there are so many options that will help you to stay active. There has got to be at least one that you will learn to love and enjoy. So, don't completely give up on it until you find the one that makes you most happy and excited about doing.

Recognizes the importance of rest and eating

You should be finding joy in your movement, not forcing yourself to get through it because you feel like you "have to". If you are forcing yourself, you are not enjoying yourself. Exercise should not feel compulsory. There will be days where you may not want to, but you will feel so much better if you do. However, do not force yourself to the point where you hate it. Give yourself time to rest. Give yourself permission to eat foods that you enjoy. Yes, you still need to watch what you are eating, but do not punish yourself for eating the yummy foods too. Finding joy in movement can and will lead to finding joy in other aspects of life including your overall health.

Joyful movement allows us to be mindful of our health and find awareness of what feels good and what doesn't feel as good. A health and fitness journey is not going to be an easy path, there are bumps and turns that will shake up the routine. The journey will be a little easier when you are enjoying what you are doing. Find what you love and never be too hard on yourself.

Do your body a favor and move! But move joyfully.