75+ Joyful Movement Ideas So That Exercise Won’t Feel Like Another Chore
What initially comes to mind when you think about forms of exercise?
Is it the gym? Cardio machines? Or how about those intimidating weight lifting rooms?
Conventional exercises can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re starting to introduce or reintroduce movement into your life.
For others, it can become boring and repetitive.
Luckily, there are countless of ways to integrate fun movement into your journey.
Today, we’re exploring over 75 outdoor and indoor joyful movement ideas so that exercise won’t feel so UGH.
Let’s dive in! — movement pun intended ;)
What is Joyful Movement?
You may have seen the term ‘joyful movement’ within the anti-diet or body positivity space. If you’re wondering what that’s all about, you’ve come to the right place. Joyful movement is an approach to exercise that emphasizes having fun while engaging in physical activity that feels good mentally and physically. Rather than forcing yourself to exercise because you “should” or focusing on calories burned or steps taken, joyful movement is about tuning in and honoring how you choose to move your body.
Why is Joyful Movement Important?
When the intention around exercise is purely to lose weight or look fit, it’s less likely that you will stick with that activity, especially if it’s not something you’re enjoying along the way. While traditional exercise can be rigid, joyful movement, on the other hand, emphasizes balance and pleasure, with a higher likelihood that you’ll continue with it in the long run.
How to Practice Joyful Movement
Can you remember how movement felt as a kid? Whether it be walking to or from school, playing in the park, or hanging out with friends, it was all fairly natural and intuitive! As we got older, diet culture messages swooped in and led to exercise feeling more rigid or black and white. Despite what our diet-obsessed society says, you do not have to go to the gym or run if you’re looking to up your exercise routine. On the flip side, you’re not inherently bad or wrong if going to the gym or running is something you genuinely enjoy! By the end of the day, it’s all about being intentional with how you choose to engage in movement. If you’re looking for a step-by-step approach to incorporate joyful movement into your life, I’ve created a blog post all about it!
When to Implement Joyful Movement
Nowadays, there are tons of gadgets that tell us when and for how long we need to move our bodies. The thing is, joyful movement emphasizes tuning into your body rather than those external sources, like watches, phones, rings, or any other statistics aside from your physical body. Being mindful about movement means some days you’ll exercise for 10minutes, while other days an hour. The point is to engage in something that not only feels energized, but makes you feel fulfilled.
Outdoor Forms of Joyful Movement
Hike to a beautiful lookout point and enjoy the view
Go on a bike ride on a sunny day
Rollerblade, roller skate or skateboard on a smoothe, flat surface
Go kayaking
Try gardening
Play tag or hide and seek with your children, nieces or nephews
Play a game of flag football, handball, frisbee, soccer or basketball with friends
Fly a kite
Go to a miniature golf course
Try paddleboarding on a lake
Swim in a lake, river, or ocean
Try snowboarding
Go skiing
Explore a new area
Build a snowman
Go sledding or snowshoeing
Go apple or berry picking
Run through a field of flowers
Channel your inner child and do some cartwheels
Skip down the street
Do some yoga as the sun rises or sets
Play a game of catch with a dog
Go on a nature walk while taking the time to appreciate the beauty of the outdoor sights and sounds
Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt and search for different plants, animals, or natural features
Hula hoop!
Jump on a trampoline
Go to the beach and build sand castles or search for shark teeth
Play in the pool
Jump rope
Try acro-yoga with a partner at a park
Go on a walk with a pet (doesn’t have to be a dog!)
Play a game of tennis or pickleball
Play volleyball at a local park or beach
Go fishing
Take an outdoor workout class - spin, boxing
Sign up for a charity walk or run (color run, glow in the dark run, etc)
Try surfing
Try snorkeling or scuba diving
Go paintballing with a group
Go horseback riding
Park a bit further away and walk to your destination
Stroll through a theme park
Have a water balloon fight or snowball fight
Try sandboarding
Sign up for a mud run or obstacle run
Go bowling
Try your hands at ax throwing or archery
Indoor Forms of Joyful Movement
Take a self defense class - karate or boxing (can also be done outdoors!)
Go to an indoor rock climbing gym
Blast some music and have a dance party in your room
Try Zumba or a dance class with friends
Take a fun barre or pilates class
Try a water aerobics class
Work on your headstands or handstands with a friend in a safe environment
Clean your room/home, do the dishes, vacuum
Try a VR workout game
Learn choreography on TikTok
Take the stairs
Play racquetball
Try a new workout class - aerial yoga, spin, etc.
Go to a trampoline gym
Sign up for an online workout or try something from YouTube (many online workouts are either free or have free trials)
Do some stretching
Try a pole dancing class
Bounce on an exercise ball while you work
Carry groceries
Create an indoor obstacle course
Play Just Dance or Dance Dance Revolution
Get one of those walking desks and walk while you watch TV
Take a pottery class
Jump on a mini trampoline
Build furniture or help a friend with moving
Walk through an indoor mall
Carry/play with a baby
Try juggling
Takeaway
There you have it! Over 75 outdoor and indoor ideas to incorporate joyful movement into your life. Ultimately, anything that brings you joy and makes you feel alive and free can be considered joyful movement. The key is to go at your own pace and keep experimenting until you find something that resonates with you.
What are your favorite ways to make movement fun? Are there any other joyful movement ideas you’d add to this list?
Share in the comments below!