Move Your Way
Reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer, and other health issues with joyful movement
Many of us believe that exercise should be painful, costly, and time consuming. This simply isn’t true.
Movement does more than make our bodies more resilient and help protect against illness. Finding movement that brings you true joy can make physical activity emotionally and mentally restorative!
February brings many opportunities to focus on joyful movement that is also healthy. Feb. 3 is Wear Red Day. Each year, the first Friday in February is a chance to show how we care for our hearts by wearing red on our sleeves (or shoes, or pants, or necklaces — you name it!). February is also Cancer Prevention Month, a month when we focus on ways we can help reduce our risk of getting cancer. Moving our body is one of those ways.
How is joyful movement different than exercise?
Joyful movement is moving your body in a way that makes you feel good. Doing good things for our bodies that we enjoy is more sustainable than doing things that we don’t enjoy.
What type of movement is the best movement for my health?
One you like! Focus on finding ways to move your body that give you joy. For some people, this may be dancing, but for others, it could be gardening or hiking. We’re more likely to stick with something when we enjoy doing it.
What if I can’t do a particular type of exercise?
Not all movement works for every person. Everyone’s body works differently, so it’s important to find something that works for you and your life goals.
What kind of goals should I set?
When considering what goals to set, it’s helpful to consider the purpose of your goals. Goal setting should be “realistic” and rooted in self-compassion. Even the longest journeys begin with a first action!
Where do I start?
Here are a few resources that can help you find more information about what types of movement might work for you:
Move Your Way
Everyone needs physical activity to stay healthy. But it can be hard to find the time in your busy routine.
Move Your Way® has tools, videos, fact sheets, and tips that make it easier to get a little more active. And small changes can add up to big health benefits!
Walk with Ease
This free 6-week program helps you improve your movement with simple, guided tasks and support. The program works for many types of bodies, including people who use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Walk with Ease is also great for people experiencing pain associated with arthritis or within joints. It might even help you reduce your pain!
This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded health program gives ideas and support for people who want to get more active, even with busy lifestyles. It includes information about finding activities you enjoy, tips for people with disabilities, and more.
Looking for an easy guided workout to follow at home? Join WWE Superstar Becky Lynch and Special Olympics for exercises that focus on flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. The program includes peer leaders from the Special Olympics. People of all abilities can take part.
Sign up and get notified when we post new articles to our blog!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter(X), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Visit our website for more from the Washington State Department of Health.
