There’s something magical that happens when you move your body; not for aesthetics, not for numbers on the scale, but to come home to yourself.
I wasn’t the “sporty” girl growing up. No morning runs, no medals. But when I stumbled into bodybuilding in my early twenties, I discovered a version of myself I didn’t know existed. Strong. Disciplined. Capable. At first, I chased transformation through rigid meal plans and heavy restrictions. But as life handed me heartbreak, injury, burnout, depression… I learned this:
Movement is medicine.
It became less about sculpting my body and more about reconnecting with my inner-world.
Whether it’s lifting weights, dancing in your living room, or going for a walk when your mind is loud — movement meets you where you are, and gently reminds you:
You are still here. You are still powerful.
Why Movement Heals More Than Just the Body
We often hear about the physical benefits of exercise, but let’s talk about the emotional ones, too:
-
Movement creates momentum. When your body moves, your energy shifts. It pulls you out of stagnation and into action.
-
It’s a tool for emotional release. Ever cried mid-workout? Same. You’re not broken. That’s healing, baby.
-
It builds self-trust. Consistently showing up for yourself builds inner safety, especially on the days it feels hardest.
-
It reminds you of your aliveness. That post-workout glow isn’t just sweat. It's your nervous system saying: Thank you!!!
Practical Ways to Build a Movement Practice Rooted in Self-Love
This isn’t about starting a 12-week challenge or smashing PBs (unless that’s your jam 😉). This is about moving with compassion. Here's how:
1. Start Small. Start Honest.
Forget all-or-nothing. Ask yourself: What movement feels good today?
Try: 10 minutes of stretching, a dance break between meetings, or a gentle walk with your favourite tunes or a podcast keeping you company.
2. Choose Joy, Not Just Discipline.
Discipline is powerful. Joy is sustainable.
Try: Swapping one structured workout a week for something spontaneous like hiking, rollerblading, or a yoga class.
3. Track How You Feel, Not Just What You Do.
Instead of only logging sets and reps (which, don’t get me wrong, is a very important part of tracking your progress), turn inwards and notice your emotions too.
Try: Journaling “How did I feel before, during, and after my workout?” to connect movement to mood. Then, embrace more movements that bring you joy.
4. Honour Your Seasons.
There will be weeks you lift heavy, and weeks you barely stretch. Both are valid.
Try: Listening to your body over your ego. Rest is productive too.
A Loving Reminder
Exercise isn’t a punishment for what you ate. It’s not a tool to shrink yourself or earn your worth. It’s a sacred way to connect with your breath, your body, your spirit.
Whether you’re deep in your fitness journey or taking your first walk in weeks:
Move because you can. Move to remember who you are.
There’s no perfect way to begin — only the courage to start. And in those moments when you want to give up, remember this: your body isn’t the enemy. It’s the home you get to live in, love, and grow with.
It’s how I found my strength in my weakest moments. How I regained my spark when I thought I’d lost it for good.
Let’s stop moving to “fix” ourselves and start moving to honour ourselves.
Every rep, every stretch, every small effort is a reminder: you’re choosing to care. Not just for how you look, but for how you live. And that choice? It’s the most radical act of self-love.
Minelle van der Walt, 7 July 2025
