From the start, fitness has always felt natural to me, not something confined to a gym or a checklist. My earliest memories are of copying my dad doing push-ups and headstands in the living room, gardening with my parents, and learning to fish and cook what we caught. Those experiences taught me that movement, food, and connection are part of everyday life. Over time as an athlete and coach, I learned that fitness is healing, practical, and deeply personal: it’s about building strength, resilience, and joy in the real rhythms of life, not fitting into a prescribed mold.
When you think of fitness as something you can only achieve with weights, machines, or treadmills, you limit yourself. But when you start to redefine fitness as any form of intentional movement that strengthens your body and lifts your spirit, your options open up. This shift makes staying active feel less like a chore and more like an opportunity.
Examples of Everyday Movement
Some of the most powerful forms of movement don’t require special equipment or a gym membership. They happen in the rhythms of daily life.
Walking is one of my favorites. Whether it’s a short stroll around the block, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking while on a phone call, those steps add up.
Gardening is another beautiful way to stay active. It may not feel like a workout, but the bending, lifting, and carrying work your muscles in functional ways.
And then there’s play, something too many adults forget. Running around with your kids in the yard, dancing, kicking a soccer ball, or tossing a Frisbee with friends is not only fun, but also a sneaky way to get your heart rate up and move your body.
When you start noticing these opportunities, you realize that fitness is everywhere. These are creative ways to stay active outside the gym that not only strengthen your body, but also enrich your life.
Benefits of Finding Joy in Physical Activity
One of the biggest mistakes I see is treating fitness only as a box to check off for the day. When movement feels like punishment, it becomes harder to stay consistent. But when you find joy in what you’re doing, everything changes.
Joyful movement fuels motivation. It relieves stress, boosts your mood, and helps you connect with others. I’ve seen clients who dreaded traditional workouts light up when they discovered activities they genuinely loved, whether it was hiking, dancing, or swimming.
The benefits go far beyond physical strength. Joyful movement becomes a mental and emotional anchor. It reminds you that fitness is not just about performance or appearance. It’s about feeling alive in your own body.
How to Make Movement Part of Your Lifestyle
One of my goals as a coach is to help clients stop separating “fitness” from “life.” Movement shouldn’t be something you only do in a designated space for an hour a day. It should be woven into your routines, your choices, and your environment.
Here are some ways to do that:
- Walk or bike instead of driving short distances.
- Use work breaks for stretching or light movement.
- Turn household chores into mini workouts by being intentional with your posture and energy.
- Add playtime to your family schedule.
When movement becomes part of your lifestyle, it stops feeling like an obligation. It becomes natural, sustainable, and enjoyable.
Family and Community-Focused Activities
Some of my most meaningful fitness experiences haven’t been about lifting heavier weights or setting new personal records. They’ve been about sharing movement with others.
Family-focused activities create connection and set a powerful example. Kids don’t do what we say, they do what we model. When they see us moving joyfully, they learn that activity is a normal, fun part of life. Whether it’s a family hike, a walk after dinner, or dancing in the living room, these moments matter.
Community activities can be just as powerful. Group hikes, recreational sports, or outdoor yoga classes bring people together in ways that strengthen both the body and the spirit. Movement becomes less about individual achievement and more about shared experience.
Experiment With New Forms of Movement
One of the most liberating shifts you can make is giving yourself permission to experiment. Try something new, even if you’re not sure you’ll be good at it. Take a dance class, paddleboard, learn martial arts, or join a recreational league.
The beauty of experimenting is that it keeps movement fresh and exciting. You discover new strengths, challenge yourself in unexpected ways, and keep your body adaptable. Some of my favorite activities now are things I never would have considered years ago.
Fitness isn’t about perfection, it’s about exploration. When you approach movement with curiosity instead of judgment, you’ll find countless ways to stay active that also bring you joy.
Want a step-by-step guide to building strength, health, and happiness that actually lasts?
My book, “Live FIT from the Inside Out“, shares my 6 SHIFTS framework (Sleep, Hydration, Intake, Fitness, Thoughts, Sunshine), simple, sustainable, empowering tools to help you reclaim your energy, confidence, and quality of life without extremes.
From honest stories to practical strategies, this book is designed to help you finally make health feel like freedom, not another chore.
Grab your copy today and start your journey toward a stronger, healthier, happier you!
Remote Coaching to Help You Achieve Longevity + Live Your Highest Quality of Life
Are you ready to make longevity and your quality of life a priority, but not sure where to start?
That’s where my remote coaching program comes in! With my program, you’ll receive:
- Customized Programming: I design a training plan tailored to your current abilities and goals.
- Weekly Coaching Cues: Get detailed feedback and tips to refine your form and progress safely.
- Movement Demonstrations: Access videos that break down each progression step-by-step.
- Accountability and Support: Stay on track with direct email and SMS support, as well as monthly consultations.
Achieving long term fitness and wellness is something I will help you master as part of a comprehensive fitness and wellness plan.
Whether you’re looking to improve strength, mobility, or overall health, my program is designed to meet you where you are and take you to the next level.
Let’s work together to help you crush your fitness goals!
Learn more about my remote coaching program: Click HERE!
And because long-term results go beyond workouts, I’ve also partnered with some of the most trusted brands in fitness and wellness to bring you powerful tools and resources that support your journey:
NZ x Spren Collab: Gold standard body composition tracking right from your phone. Read the press release →
NZ Meals powered by Territory Foods: A curated, ready-to-eat menu created by me. Order here →
NZ Nutrition App: Personalized nutrition coaching + resources to fuel your goals. Explore here →
