Self-Care that Saved Me: Movement

Your girl is done with the cycles of self-abandonment (though relapses happen and are met compassionately). It's onto the days of self-commitment and a defiant level of dedication. Because it's an era of deep self-love and world-changing self-work.

Movement and I have had a long history of tension.

My middle school years coincided with the peak of the Victoria's Secret Angels. The amount of shame I internalized during that time led to an on-and-off relationship with bulimia and periodic starvation. My weight was a hot topic from adults and kids. The school bus and classroom bullying hurt – sure. But, it was also the comments and lack of comments from adults that cut deep. The well-meaning suggestion of diets and workout routines, the insane level of praise I received when I lost weight, and the absolute silence about my appearance when I gained weight.

I don't need to retell the fatphobic and fad diet era, if you were there, you know. If you weren't, you've seen it reflected in the movies, media, and shows from the time.

My brain was conditioned to link exercise with a battle of shame. So, rewiring that took time. Luckily, though, I succeeded. Most days, hormones aside, I find movement as a way of feeling free, grounded, healthier, and more present. But regardless of those hormones and my mood, it also helps me work through emotions. I like feeling stronger in my body and being able to do things – like scaling the side of a mountain – that I never expected.

Here are my favorite heart-pumping movement-based activities.

Pilates

Pilates can trace its roots across German, Indian Yogic, Greek, Japanese Zen, Italian ballet, and other cultural practices

After years of sciatica issues, at far too young an age, I needed help in building my glutes and core.

Enter pilates.

Like I said, exercise and I had a hate-hate relationship. But, pilates and I just click.

And that's in no small because of my teacher.

Renée Mowatt is the teacher and instructor I needed. On top of being hilarious, she creates attainable, fun workouts that keep me physically and mentally engaged. Oh, and I feel the burn for days. Videos range from 10 to 20 minutes – and this Aussie goddess offers them for free on her channel. My favorite session, so far, serves as the kickoff to her 7-day pilates challenge (video).

Hiking

Living in Florida, I started taking daily walks from my downtown studio to the sea wall. Slowly, I scaled from a couple of miles to about 5 miles per day. But, after two summers, I was ready for a reprieve from the heat. So, when I started to look for my next home, I prioritized what I missed: greenery.

I moved to the mountains and as a result, my accessibility to evergreen hikes has been upgraded. Just take a look at these recent treks.

Plus, there's a mountain-scaling walking trail literally in my backyard. Meaning those rough hills and grassy, dirt paths I love can greet me each day.

I try to get at least twelve miles per week, but some weeks, like this week, it's closer to five. And, that's okay. These hilly treks are still helping build my glutes and balance.

Plus, nature is the place where I feel the most connected and grounded. It's where my inner child gets to come out and play. I get to explore incredible views, insects, plants, and ecosystems. I could write an entire series just on my love of nature and hiking... and, maybe I will...

Rebounding

Thanks to my rebounding evangelist momma for introducing me to the joys of jumping on a little trampoline each morning. As someone who has struggled with lymphatic drainage, this simple ten-minute bounce gets me sweating and my pump-less lymphatic system pumping. Plus, it's my kind of dancing.

I assume Rhythm and I had beef in a previous life because it’s been awkward between us since birth. 

But then, I saw something miraculous.

Europeans dancing in clubs.

And, I felt seen. 

The jumping, the lack of arm coordination, and the not-quite-right connection to the beat. That's me.

Freely flailing near the melody. That’s my style of dancing. 

Rebounding helped me reignite my love for it. It's childlike and silly.

Jumping and singing along off-key. That’s a physical expression of my love for music.

For someone like me who doesn’t love the monotony of weighted workouts and has an easily clogged lymphatic system, this little gem is getting everything moving. 

With A little Carly Jensen. Some Beyonce. And some Abba. I can work up a sweat in minutes. Adding in some Qigong tapping and shaking. I feel so much better afterward. More energized, not so angry, and not as much inflammation.

Here's the playlist if you feel like bouncing around to 160-170 beats per minute.

I hope you enjoy the Self-Care that Saved Me Series. Each teacher has a dedicated place on the newly published: Teacher Wall. Updated regularly.

You can also check out all the playlists accompanying this series: Playlists.