The Joyful Movement

Written By Julianna Szatmari

If your workout has RULES, it is a CHORE!

The 9th principle of Intuitive Eating is Joyful Movement.

This principle entails the importance of shifting your focus from seeing exercising as a cross-off on a list, and instead a great outlet to look forward to for your health and wellness. Joyful movement focuses on rebuilding your relationship with exercise, so that you are able to truly enjoy every second of your physical activity of choice.

If your current workout feels unfulfilling, you may not be partaking in physical activity that should have pleasure, choice, flexibility, celebration and intuition, which are all important factors of joyful movement.

Shaking your head? Let’s discuss the 5 factors of joyful movement.

  1. Pleasure

    Plain and simple, does your workout give you pleasure? Does it make you feel your best?

  2. Choice

    Is your workout of choice feeling like a chore? Are you exercising when you are tired or sick? Limited rest days?

  3. Flexibility

    Does your exercise routine consist of the same movements? Have you been doing the same exact workout for years? Where is your flexibility in different movements?

  4. Celebration

    When exercising, is your mindset only to lose weight? Are you punishing yourself for having cookies for lunch, or having fried food all weekend? Where is the connection to your body and appreciation for being able to exercise? Where is the recognition that you are able celebrate your movement?

  5. Intuition

    Are you listening to your body when exercising? Do you feel tired and push yourself to exercise still? Or do you listen to your body and rest?

Ideas of Joyful Movement

  • Take your dog for a walk

  • Play with kids or grandkids

  • Spend some time in your garden

  • Take a hike

  • Go for a bike ride

  • Go shopping

  • Take a yoga class

  • Lift weights

  • Dance

  • Go for a run

  • Join a team sport

  • Take a martial arts class

  • Play an instrument

  • Walk while on the phone

  • Jump rope

  • Go roller skating Swim at a lake or local pool

To your food freedom,

Julianna Szatmari MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Medical Nutrition Therapy and Intuitive Eating Expert

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Julianna Szatmari

Welcome to Intuitively Nourished, where we believe in the power of nutrition to enhance your health and well-being, by learning how to nourish your body properly and beginning to think intuitively about your food choices. Our mission is to help you bridge the gap between understanding your unique dietary needs utilizing a food freedom approach to reach your goals, for life!

https://www.intuitivelynourishedrdn.com/
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