finding joy in movement

The summer of 2019 marked a turning point for me—mentally and physically.

I had just turned 17 and Planet Fitness was graciously allowing teens to work out for free that season.

The months before had me shuttered indoors, afraid of exploring the strange, intimidating world of NYC and subjected to an ever-present, looming cloud of angst, self-loathe and fatigue.

Then came PF in all its black-purple-and-yellow glory (a horrid colour combination btw).

I began as most newbies do—timid, uncertain, and confined to the cardio section. Not having found a job as yet, I made the most of leggings and sports bras I begged my cousin to buy me from a random city shop. Completed with my Vans, which are still holding up three years later, I felt unstoppable and was certain that I would eventually air squat and plank my way to the defined abs and juicy butt I so deeply desired.

Although this was definitely a start, there was so much missing from the equation.

My sleep was terrible, as were my eating habits, and the overwhelm of college life did little to make my days stress-free.

But I was moving.

With the help of a friend, I eventually crawled from behind the treadmills and the dreadful StairMasters, and towards the glorious new world of the free-weight section. This is where I would ego-lift, avoid upper body exercises at all costs, and copycat random workouts from Instagram.

But I was moving.

It took quite a while for me to get things right—and I by no means consider myself an expert. Truthfully, I’m still figuring things out to this day, three years later.

It’s a kind of self-inspiration—to see your body and mind transform because of movement and the mindset of self-care. To realize that you’ve formed a community because of fitness. To acknowledge that you probably wouldn’t have been as confident if it weren’t for your past self who took the risk of being uncomfortable.

The way I herald pursuing fitness, weightlifting, or any movement in general might seem fanatical (it is), but it is truly necessary for our well-being.

If it were my way, I’d herd everyone I knew into the gym.

But whether it’s a daily bike ride, powerlifting or stretching in the morning, it matters. Watch it bring you joy and make a difference in your life.

Movement is truly medicine. Move people!

Move and live!

<3