Movement has always been more than exercise to me. It is my therapy, my release, and the way I reconnect with myself when life feels overwhelming.
That is why I describe it as medicine. When I say “movement is medicine,” I mean that consistent, intentional activity has the power to heal your body and your mind.
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to experience this. Whether you’re taking a short walk, doing yoga, lifting weights, or playing with your kids in the yard, movement is a tool that grounds you and restores balance.
Science supports this, and so does my personal experience. After decades of coaching and living fitness myself, I’ve seen over and over again how movement becomes a prescription for resilience, energy, and joy.
The Physical Benefits of Movement
From the time I was a young gymnast, I learned firsthand how movement builds strength and mobility. But movement doesn’t just make muscles stronger. It improves cardiovascular health, increases bone density, and enhances flexibility so that daily life feels easier.
I’ve watched clients in their sixties reclaim their balance and coordination after years of inactivity. I’ve seen people struggling with injuries find ways to move safely again, building their strength and confidence in the process. The body responds to movement in incredible ways. Even small amounts of consistent activity improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and help manage weight.
When you think of movement as part of your healthcare, just like hydration or nutrition, you begin to see how essential it is. Your muscles, heart, and joints thrive when you treat daily activity as medicine.
The Mental Benefits of Movement
What often surprises people is that the greatest impact of movement isn’t always physical. It is mental. I have experienced this in some of the hardest seasons of my life. When I was pregnant with my daughter at twenty-two, I was suddenly placed on bed rest after early contractions. For months, I was confined to a couch or bed, unable to move the way I had my whole life. My body needed it to keep my baby safe, but mentally it was devastating.
Seventeen years later, during my second pregnancy, the same contractions began. This time, though, I trusted myself. I knew movement could still be part of my healing. With my doctor’s supervision, I adjusted my training to what felt good with walking, swimming, yoga. The difference was profound. I felt empowered instead of powerless.
That experience solidified for me how vital movement is to mental health. Moving your body relieves stress, calms anxiety, and even sharpens focus. There is now research showing that just ten minutes of outdoor activity can significantly improve mood and clarity. To me, that confirms what I’ve always known: movement as medicine for mental and physical health is real, and it is transformative.
Stories of Transformation Through Movement
I’ve seen this truth play out again and again in my clients’ lives.
Sophie, a forty-year-old mom and former athlete, felt stuck in a cycle of injury and frustration. Every time she tried to get active, her back pain flared up. Together we focused on intentional movement that worked for her body. She rebuilt her strength while also addressing sleep, hydration, and mindset. Within months, she had lost body fat, gained lean muscle, and, most importantly, felt confident again.
Larry, at sixty, was in a slump. He did the same routines over and over and felt uninspired. By adding variety and consistency into his schedule, movement once again became energizing. He now says fitness is a regular part of his life, even when he travels.
Aaron, a father in his forties, had put his health on the back burner for years. Movement was the first medicine we introduced. Within months of consistent activity paired with nutrition shifts, his blood work improved dramatically. His cholesterol dropped, his energy rose, and he felt like himself again.
These stories show that movement isn’t about age, season of life, or background. It’s about showing up consistently, listening to your body, and letting activity bring you back to strength and vitality.
Movement Beyond the Gym
One of the biggest misconceptions about fitness is that it only counts if you’re in a gym lifting heavy weights or running miles on a treadmill. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Movement can be as simple as walking your dog, playing tag with your kids, stretching before bed, or dancing in your living room. These moments of play and motion are just as valuable as structured workouts. They help reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and lift your mood.
In my own life, I’ve leaned on many different forms of movement depending on the season I’m in. During pregnancy, walking and yoga kept me grounded. During competitive seasons, training for bodybuilding or CrossFit pushed my limits. Today, I weave in everything from strength training to simple walks outside with my kids. Movement doesn’t have to look one way. What matters is that you keep doing it.
Start Small, Stay Consistent
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, here’s my best advice: start small. You don’t need hours a day or fancy equipment. Begin with ten minutes of intentional activity. Choose something that feels good for your body and repeat it tomorrow.
Consistency matters more than intensity at the start. Those small, daily actions compound over time and create the lasting results you want. Every walk, every stretch, every rep is a deposit into your future health.
When you view movement as medicine, you see that it’s not about punishment or perfection. It’s about healing, growth, and honoring the body you’ve been given. With every step, you’re choosing resilience, strength, and a healthier, happier life.
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 →
