Move Your Way: Find Your Flow 

In the fitness world, there is no “right” way of movement. Individually you are meant to find what works for your preferences, abilities, and the overall goals you want to achieve. Choosing to be active is the first step, but choosing to stay consistent and dedicated to movement is what creates stability in your healthy habits. Two options you may want to look into are the mindful flow of yoga or the movement of dance. Remember, you are meant to find activities that are fun and get you moving, so let’s discover what movement works best for you. 

Why Movement Matters

As some may say, movement is a form of medicine. Movement is more than just simply getting your body moving; it is about finding habits and routines that work for you. Regular movement is a key in maintaining your physical and mental health while helping you feel your best. Beyond the physical benefits, movement can help boost your mood, increase your energy, reduce stress, develop coping mechanisms, and contribute to building a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Stretch, Strength, & Restore

Yoga allows for the exploration of our individual sensations and feelings uniting philosophy, spirituality, and physicality. Connecting your mind to your body is the main goal and encouraging self-regulation and self-awareness. You flow through different positions, stretching, deeply breathing, slowing down, and becoming more aware. So whether you are going into a yoga class looking to build your strength or piece together your mindfulness, yoga gives you the opportunity to find your own form of movement and balance. Stretch your body, build your strength, and restore the best you with yoga.

Get in the Groove

Dance allows for the exploration of moving through rhythms, balance, and self-expression. It is both a fun, creative, and expressive way to incorporate activity into your everyday life. Whether you are taking a specific dance class or just moving your body to your favorite song, movement is movement. You become more aware of your own body and what feels natural to you. Dance can look different for everyone and there is no right or wrong way. So find your rhythm, and get in the groove with dance. 

Make Movement Your Own

When you find movement that works for you, staying active seems less like a chore and more like a reward. Whether that means stepping onto a yoga mat or dancing to the beat of your favorite song, movement fits differently into everyone’s life, shaped by their own schedule, preferences, and lifestyle. Movement and mindfulness is encouraged through both yoga and dance, allowing you to use your creativeness to get going. Reminding you that there are many different movements to explore to find what fits you best. So, move your way, find your flow, and uncover what works for you.

Written by GUADs intern Ava with contributions from link.springer.gov and ashaexperience.com