Every year in May, we celebrate the Day of Dreams in Exercise, which is a good moment to pause and reflect on the significance of exercise for ourselves and our relationship with movement. What kind of exercise do I genuinely enjoy? What motivates me to move? Are my exercise-related preferences being fulfilled in my daily life? 

It is entirely normal if the idea of exercising does not always feel particularly inspiring, but if exercise feels sluggish time after time, it is time to do something about it. Frankly, life is too short for exercise that feels dull and numbing. So, keep reading, and let us dream together about forms of exercise that inspire us to get moving! 

What type of exercise genuinely excites you? 

Children instinctively do things that seem interesting and fun. Maybe you also have climbed trees, jumped rope, or dashed off running while playing yard games? These activities are enjoyable, even though they are also exercise after all. 

If exercising has started to feel numbing, consider if your current exercise habits align with what you genuinely enjoy. Could you dream up ways of exercising where movement is not the goal but rather a side effect of having fun? 

What exercise has been relegated to the "someday" list? 

"Someday I will have more time for this," "someday I will be in better shape for this," "someday the opportunity will arise for this"... Do you also have a "someday" list where all the interesting and fun-looking forms of exercise end up, the ones you might someday try? Perhaps the timing, place, or overall circumstances have been wrong when you have seen or heard about this new, intriguing sport. You may have thought you would have the chance to try it sometime later. 

Whether it is horseback riding, cricket, pole vaulting, or adult ballet, now is the time to dust off that list and act. The Day of Dreams in Exercise is a perfect moment to pursue our exercise dreams without assuming there will be another chance later to try an interesting sport. 

How would you move without mental barriers? 

Sometimes the mind creates barriers to why something would not be possible for oneself. You admire others' workout videos on social media or cheer on friends' half marathons. You do not go to yoga class because you think you are too stiff. You do not go to the gym because you think you are the wrong size or appearance. 

Breaking down these mental barriers is not easy, but worth the effort. You are good just the way you are, and you – like everyone else – have the right to move in a way that brings you joy and pleasure. Each of our exercise dreams is meant to be realized. 

Written by:

Jenni Uuras

Wellness writer