What is your relationship with exercise? For some it’s their way of managing their mental health, heart health, or their way of connecting and socializing. For others, it’s a bit more dark and may feel like a chore or something we “have to do.”

My guest today, Lisa DeKam, is a physical therapist who is on a mission to help people create joyful movement. My mind was blown when she explained that in more detail and then turned those words around to truly get the point across.

We discuss

• Reconnecting with our bodies
• What to do when exercise is felt like a chore
• What to do when we are in chronic pain
• Self compassion
• How the mind-body connection relates to exercise

Episode Summary:

In the realm of fitness and well-being, the narrative has often been driven by a certain rigidity—exercise as a regimented, sometimes punitive task that one must endure for the sake of health or appearance. However, there’s a burgeoning conversation that seeks to shift this paradigm to one where exercise is a source of joy, a practice of self-compassion, and a harmonious connection with nature. Physical therapist Lisa DeKam and host Amy Connell wade through this refreshing discourse in the latest podcast episode, “Reimagining Fitness: Embracing Joyful Movement for a Healthier Connection with Our Bodies.”

The episode unfurls with Lisa’s compelling insights on joyful movement. She speaks from a rich background in physical therapy, particularly within the context of eating disorder recovery, to shed light on the transformative power of redefining our approach to exercise. Her philosophy hinges on the idea that movement should be a resonant experience that aligns with personal values and nourishes a deeper connection with our bodies.

The conversation delves into the cultural narratives that have long shaped our perception of physical activity, often to our detriment. For instance, Lisa discusses the pervasiveness of the all-or-nothing mentality, particularly poignant in the context of eating disorders. This mentality has led many to view exercise as a mere obligation or a means to negate dietary indulgence. The episode pushes back against these harmful misconceptions, advocating for a shift in perspective that finds joy in the act of moving itself, rather than in the results it may yield.

As the episode unfolds, The AXIA Project is introduced—a groundbreaking initiative co-founded by Lisa and Jackie Danz, aimed at shifting societal focus from aesthetics to the functionality and capability of our bodies.

In essence, this podcast episode is more than a conversation; it’s a clarion call to embrace movement not merely as a physical necessity but as a joyful, life-enhancing practice. It encourages listeners to seek out activities that bring them genuine pleasure and to reframe their fitness journey as an integral part of a happy, connected, and fulfilling life.

Connect with Lisa

https://www.theaxiaproject.com
Instagram: @lisadekam.pt @theaxiaproject
Facebook: The Axia Project

Connect with Amy:

Join the Graced Health community on Facebook!
Instagram: @GracedHealth
Facebook: @Graced Health

Have a graced day,

Amy