Training for the Game of Life: How I Incorporate Mindful Movement Beyond Exercise
When people think of fitness, their minds often go straight to structured workouts—gym sessions, dance classes, or strength training. But for me, movement is a constant practice, something woven into the fabric of everyday life. I like to think about it as if I’m “training for the game of life.” It’s not just about what happens during a workout; it’s about how I move through the world and involves how I use my whole body, including all my senses. And of course, I approach this from a body neutral philosophy focusing on feel-good movement.
When I’m able, I make a habit of incorporating small movements and mindful body awareness into the most routine parts of my day. For example, when I’m standing in line (which we do a lot!), I am careful not to lock my knees so I don’t strain them. Also, I sit on the floor occasionally rather than always relying on chairs or couches. This simple choice challenges my mobility and keeps my hips open. Sitting on the floor encourages me to shift positions naturally, which keeps me engaged and mobile in a way that sitting in a chair doesn’t.
When I walk, I practice letting my head float up, keeping my gaze forward. It’s a small adjustment, but it does wonders for my posture and helps me stay connected to what’s happening around me. It also reinforces the way I want my body to move fluidly through space, helping me stay aligned and balanced.
Climbing stairs without gripping the handrail is another habit I’ve built over time. This small act forces my body to stabilize on its own, strengthening my balance and coordination. The same goes for getting out of the car without relying on the door handle—it’s all about reinforcing trust in my body to support me. Now, some days I definitely need the handrails, but on those days I do my best not to grasp the railing with force so I’m not transferring tension to my shoulders or jaw.
Even the simple act of putting on pants, socks, or shoes becomes an opportunity to practice balance. Instead of sitting down, I challenge myself to stand on one leg as I do these tasks. It might seem minor, but it’s moments like this that make me feel more grounded and in tune with my body.
These daily movements remind me that fitness isn’t confined to the studio or gym. Every movement is an opportunity to build strength, stability, and awareness. When I approach my day this way, I’m constantly training for the game of life so that I can live with comfort and ease in my body.
So, while formal workouts like my Dance Fitness classes are a huge part of my routine, I look at movement as an ongoing practice. It’s about how we choose to move in every moment, big or small.