Intuitive Eating: Intuitive Movement

Find and learn ways to move your body that feel good.

We believe hauora is multi-dimensional and that your taha tinana - physical health - is just as important as your social, spiritual and mental health.

Physical health is over-emphasised by diet culture and focuses a lot on what your body looks like. Interestingly, a multitude of studies have found that exercising for aesthetic reasons (like trying to get a flat tummy or lose weight) is actually associated with less physical activity. Contrastingly, studies where women cite their goals as having a sense of wellbeing engage in exercise and movement more often.

Some of the short-term benefits of movement and exercise include:
+ Feeling less stressed or anxious
+ Having more energy
+ Feeling more alert and able to concentrate
+ Sleeping better
+ Improved mood
+ Feeling better in your body
+ Having fewer aches and pains
+ Improved stamina, flexibility and strength
+ Having fun and feeling joy!

**Intuitive movement focuses on how your body feels like moving.**

Here’s some tips to build your practice:

Notice how your body feels and what it’s wanting.

A short body scan is a good way to check in with your body’s physical and emotional state. It takes less than a minute and can be done anywhere - lying in bed, at work or even during your movement practice. Starting at the top of your head, focus on each of your body parts and ask your body how it’s feeling right now? Sore and tired? Stressed and wound up? Ready and energised? This can help you choose how to move today.

Start where you are.

Often we’re not actually comparing our bodies to others, but to our former selves. “When I was [smaller, stronger, fitter, younger etc] I was able to do this…” It’s easy to get caught up in these thoughts, but it’s important to know that intuition needs to be in the present moment. Our bodies change for a lot of reasons - age, injuries, physical disabilities, disease progression, pregnancy and mental health - and these factors can all play a role in how we move. Practicing intuitive movement honours our body where it is now and works with it, instead of against it.

Avoid all-or-nothing and black-and-white thinking.

Plan time for movement into your days and week, but hold space for flexibility. There are so many reasons why your plans might change last minute or your body might want something different. Some days you’ll only squeeze in a short walk because your day was busy. Some days you’ll feel energised and you’ll want to move for longer. And, other days, watching Netflix and getting into bed early is going to be what you need instead of movement. That doesn’t mean you’re “making excuses” or being lazy. No guilt, please! Too often we weaponise guilt to force ourselves to work out - it’s demotivating and doesn’t help!

Invest in activewear for movement.

You’re going to be more likely to move when you’re wearing clothing that’s comfortable and helps you feel good. Get fitted for shoes that will help prevent injuries or pain and find yourself some beautiful activewear. One of our favourite brands is New Zealand designed Hine Woman who have a really good range of sizes and styles for all bodies.