Why Movement Should Be Playful, Not Punishment
For so many of us, movement has been tied to punishment. Whether it’s forcing ourselves through an intense gym session to "burn off" last night's meal or running laps in school for being late, we’ve been conditioned to view exercise as a form of atonement rather than celebration.
As a dancer and circus artist, my training wasn’t just demanding—it was, and still can be, relentless. Pushing through exhaustion, training on injuries, and enduring hours of repetition until muscles shake and skin bruises aren’t just common; they’re expected. The pursuit of perfection often comes at the cost of the body itself. The discipline is drilled in from an early age: “One more rep,” “Push through the pain,” “No excuses.” Suffering equals progress. Blisters, torn calluses, strained tendons—these become badges of honour, proof of dedication. The body turns into a tool, and training becomes a cycle of breaking it down and rebuilding it stronger, only to push it even harder the next day.
For many, movement stops being about expression and starts feeling like punishment. But at what point does the sacrifice outweigh the art? When does the drive to be great cross the line into self-destruction? The industry thrives on resilience, but the real challenge is learning to move from a place of joy rather than endurance. What if, instead of forcing ourselves into rigid workout routines, we started moving in ways that actually felt good? What if progress could happen in a way that was sustainable and nourishing, rather than exhausting and punishing?
Reconnecting with the Joy of Movement
As children, movement was instinctual. We ran, climbed, jumped, and rolled—not for exercise, but because it was fun. There was no agenda, no calorie count, no goal to “get stronger” or “leaner.” We moved because it felt good, because our bodies craved it, because the play was the language of joy. Somewhere along the way, that joy was replaced with rules. Movement became structured, measured, and often, a task rather than a thrill. In school, P.E. classes turned play into performance—suddenly, we were being timed, ranked, and judged. Laps became punishments, stretching became a test of flexibility, and games had winners and losers.
For dancers and athletes, the shift was even more extreme. Training became rigid, mistakes were met with correction, and perfection became the expectation. Instead of moving for joy, we moved for approval, discipline, and mastery. Pain was proof of progress, exhaustion a marker of commitment. For many, this disconnect from playful movement carries into adulthood. Exercise becomes a chore, something we force ourselves through, convinced that suffering equals success. But what if we never lost that childlike approach to movement? What if play, not punishment, was the key to long-term health and happiness?
The Mental Shift: Movement as Celebration
Instead of seeing movement as a means to an end—weight loss, muscle gain, hitting a target— what if we started seeing it as a way to celebrate what our bodies can do? Aerial arts, dance, surfing, boxing, hiking, or even simply stretching in the morning—these are all forms of movement that nourish the body without draining the soul. The goal isn’t to move because you hate your body, but because you love it.
Exercise releases dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood and emotions, improving feelings of happiness and calmness while supporting overall well-being. No wonder movement is recommended for reducing anxiety and stress. Movement is more than just physical—it rewires your brain and body for happiness, resilience, and energy. That’s why exercise feels so good when it’s done in a way that excites you!
Finding Your Movement Style
Not everyone thrives in the gym, and that’s okay. The key to making movement sustainable is to find a form that excites you. Here are a few ways to explore:
Try Different Disciplines – Pole dance, martial arts, parkour, surf, padel—exploring new ways to move can reignite that sense of adventure.
Prioritise Fun – If you’re dreading your workouts, switch things up. Make movement social by joining a class, dancing in your room, or playing a sport with friends.
Listen to Your Body – Some days, your body might crave an intense boxing session, while other days, it just needs gentle yoga. Honour that intuition instead of forcing a routine.
Ditch the ‘All or Nothing’ Mentality – Movement doesn’t have to be a 60-minute structured workout. A five-minute dance break, a walk in nature, or stretching while watching TV all count.
Play Your Way to Longevity
The people who move the most consistently are the ones who enjoy it. If exercise feels like a chore, you’re not likely to stick with it long-term. But if it’s something you genuinely look forward to, it becomes a natural part of your life. Group activities or movement-based communities enhance social bonds, boosting oxytocin levels (the “love hormone”) and creating feelings of belonging - it could be worth joining events or having a friend with you along your movement journey!
So instead of punishing yourself with exercise, start exploring movement as a form of self-expression, play, and freedom. Your body will thank you.
