When Excersize Became Self -Love

My journey to joyful, consistent fitness.

Before I ever picked up a weight or resistance band, I was a dancer. Movement for me was never about results, but connection. Music, breath, rhythm, presence. Dance taught me awareness and mindfulness, a foundation that continues to shape how I teach today. In every class, I encourage people to choose what feels best for their bodies. I still count down from eight as dance choreography does, and I invite clients to embrace the burn and the sensations of each movement, while also reminding them it’s okay to get lost in the music and adjust when needed. And of course, if something feels too complicated,  go back to the basics, because that’s where real strength and connection begin.

Most fitness journeys begin from a place of curiosity and excitement. But it’s easy to get caught up in numbers, progress, and results. Sometimes, we just need to pause and remember why we started moving in the first place — to simplify our relationship with fitness and for the sole purpose of feeling good. 

Whether you’re running, playing sports, going for a scenic walk, or moving in your living room, remember why you started moving in the first place. Let it be about how it feels, not what it looks like or how many calories you burn. Even just twenty minutes a day can make a bigger difference than an occasional all-out session. Consistency matters more than intensity. Notice the energy it gives you, and the simple joy of being in motion. When you approach movement this way, it becomes something you want to do — not something you have to do.

Simone is a certified dance and fitness instructor and founder of Dance and Sculpt.

- Simone Tawil