This month, we’re highlighting the kind of movement that brings you joy — and pushing back against the idea that fitness has to look a certain way.

I’ve been around gyms since I was barely out of toddlerhood.

Being raised by a single mom meant I was her constant sidekick — tagging along to her job, salon visits, choir practices, and yes, even her fitness classes.

By day, she worked at a utility company. By night, she became an aerobics instructor — a role that brought her true happiness. It was more than just a side hustle; it was her way to manage stress and connect with a community that energized her.

Naturally, I spent a lot of time in the gym’s child care room. My earliest memories are filled with glitter glue crafts, teen babysitters, and watching racquetball games through glass walls. Those memories date back to the era of leg warmers and shiny leotards.

Eventually, as I got older, I started joining her classes — always the youngest participant. By my teenage years, while immersed in intense dance training, I began to understand why my mom loved it so much. Movement wasn’t just something she did — it was something I came to love, too.

From as early as I can remember, movement was simply woven into the fabric of our lives. It was never a chore or a trend — it was part of our everyday rhythm. That, in itself, was a priceless lesson.

Shifting the Focus

What stuck with me most was what my mom’s journey with fitness taught me: that the most important thing to see in the mirror is your smile.

At one point, my mom was featured in Shape Magazine for her weight loss success. But, like many people, she found that maintaining a certain appearance was difficult over time — especially when the goal was tied to image over enjoyment.

She often felt self-conscious, like she didn’t fit the mold of what an 80s aerobics instructor was “supposed” to look like. I know those insecurities weighed on her.

But that’s not what I remember.

What I recall is how people adored her energy, her upbeat playlists, and the way she welcomed every single person into her class with open arms. People didn’t show up because she looked the part — they came because she loved teaching, and they could feel that joy.

Her enthusiasm was contagious. Her kindness created a safe space for others. And that is what made her classes unforgettable.

Her passion wasn’t driven by appearance. It was fueled by connection, joy, and love for the movement itself.

Fitness That Evolves

My own relationship with fitness has taken some unexpected turns. A serious knee injury ended my dreams of becoming a professional dancer — but it opened the door to the Pilates world. What started as rehab turned into something more: first, I became a student, then an instructor, and later a master trainer.

I sometimes think it’s poetic how my path in fitness picked up right where my mom’s journey left off.

Over the years, I’ve dabbled in and taught many forms of movement. I’ve learned that the only way to make fitness stick is to enjoy it. If it doesn’t bring you joy, it won’t become part of your life. But when you find the right fit, movement becomes second nature — not another task on your to-do list.

The Power of Feel-Good Movement

As we explore the idea of “feel-good fitness” this month, we’re focusing on more than just the physical perks — though they are plentiful. We know exercise makes you feel better. But feeling good while doing it is also an essential part of what makes it sustainable.

I truly believe that the best kind of fitness is the kind that feels right for you — your body, your rhythm, your life. When movement brings you joy, you’re more likely to stick with it. You don’t have to force the habit; it develops on its own.

This month, we’re celebrating all the ways people find joy in movement — from outdoor adventures like hiking to creative outlets like dance and tai chi. Physical therapist Marcy Crouch even shares how horseback riding brings her physical and emotional balance.

And of course, we’ll also touch on traditional workouts — HIIT, cycling, yoga — which offer powerful benefits for both body and mind.

We’re also shining a light on a wider range of fitness representation. Because the truth is: fitness doesn’t have a look. It doesn’t have a “right” body type. Movement is for everyone — regardless of size, background, age, or ability.

Fitness is a state of mind, a way of life — not a number on a scale or a look in the mirror. When we embrace that mindset, we give ourselves permission to take rest days, move in whatever way works for us, and appreciate what our bodies can do.

You don’t need fancy equipment or a pricey gym membership to get moving. You just need to find what brings you joy. That’s the key to unlocking all the gifts that fitness can offer.

Here’s to movement that empowers, uplifts, and connects. May it remind you of the strength and joy that’s already within you.

Saralyn Ward
Fitness Editor