Physical activity refers to all movement, including during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person’s work or domestic activities. Sometimes, when done in a structured capacity, people will refer to this as exercise.
However, at Health Promotion, we recognize that diet culture has made physical activity feel more like a chore, often tied to changing our bodies rather than celebrating them. We believe movement should be enjoyed, not forced. That’s why we encourageJoyful Movement - activities that uplift you and make movement an enjoyable part of your day.
What is joyful movement?
Joyful movement is any form of physical activity that makes you feel good.
It’snot a focus on difficult exercises or changing your body, but rather focusing on movement that energizes and empowers you.
Ideally, when you focus on movement that you enjoy, you are more likely to continue to engage in that activity!
Benefits of joyful movement (or any physical activity)
Interested in learning about athletics at Lewis & Clark?Go tohttps://lcpioneers.com/to find out more.
PE is part of the Lewis & Clark general education requirements. Previous courses have included yoga, weightlifting, Zumba, and swimming.
Remember a favorite childhood activity.
Was there something you liked to do as a kid just because it was fun? Running through the sprinklers, dancing with music videos, or bouncing a ball off the side of your house? Channel your childhood self and give it a try again. Think of all the fun things you could do if feeling old and silly didn’t get in the way!
Get a friend involved – even long distance!
Would a buddy give you the courage to try something new? Pick a friend and make a plan. If you don’t have fun, on to the next thing!
Friends can provide motivation. You can do a new form of joyful movement while hanging out with your friends – either in person or on the phone.
Getting a friend involved can also mitigate self-consciousness. You’re not trying something new alone.
Find something that feels liberating
Schoolwork, jobs, finances, social lives – So many aspects of life can leave you feeling out of control or stuck. Sometimes we’re even bogged down by a lack of change.
Is there a way you can create some space around you? Look for fresh air, sunshine, and enough space to scan the horizon. Then move freely.
Listen to your body
If something does not feel good, either physically or mentally, stop.
Give your body time to rest and recover.
Be kind to yourself
Embrace the joy of movement as a form of self-expression and self-care.
Let go of pressure or expectations, such as the need to exercise a certain number of minutes a certain time per week. Focus on enjoying the journey.
Work joyful movement into your life when you can. Any and all movement contributes to your overall health.
Develop a routine.For some, developing a routine or having a dedicated time when they engage in joyful movement can help with consistency and structure.
Focus on functional movement.The ever-present demands on students can feel like there’s ‘no time’ to have structured routines or times to engage in joyful movement. That’s okay. Instead, try incorporating different ways to move your body throughout the day broken down into a few-minute increments. This could include things like:
Taking a more scenic route to and from class to get a couple of extra minutes of movement in
Stretching while watching TV or hanging out with friends
While on the phone with your loved ones, pacing in your dorm, or taking a walk around campus.
Taking the stairs, which may feel very ordinary, but it can help with balance and lower body strength
Sit on an exercise ball. It can improve posture and reduce back pain. Try tucking and untucking your pelvis to engage your core muscles. You can also get a Bosu ball and try the exercises listedhere.
Health Promotion and Wellness is located in room 110 of Fowler on the Undergraduate Campus. MSC: 182
