The Benefits of Being Active & Moving Your Body
Feeling stuck or low on energy? Join the Not So Typical Fitness Community for free resources, motivation, and gentle accountability designed for neurodivergent and beginner-friendly fitness journeys.
You don’t need to smash out a full workout to feel the benefits of movement.
Sometimes, it’s not about intensity, it’s about intention.
Whether you stretch, fidget, walk, or dance around the kitchen, just moving your body in any way you can makes a difference. Small actions add up over time, and even on low-energy or low-motivation days, gentle movement can help improve your mood, mobility, and overall well-being.
Why Movement Matters
Movement isn’t just about fitness goals; it’s about keeping your body engaged in everyday life. Even light activity can make a big impact:
Improves circulation and reduces stiffness
Boosts mood by releasing endorphins
Supports digestion and metabolism
Eases tension and stress
Helps maintain muscle and joint health
It’s okay if your energy levels change from day to day. What matters is finding what feels doable right now. Some days that might be a full workout, other days it might just be stretching in bed—and that’s completely valid.
Try this gentle stretching video for bed or low-energy days: Stretching in Bed (YouTube)
Building Movement into your Day
Want to learn how to build movement into your day without pressure or burnout? Listen to my podcast episode, Overcoming Gym Anxiety, where I talk about finding ways to move that feel safe, supportive, and sustainable.
The Power of Steps
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of movement. But it doesn’t have to mean long, tiring walks or hitting an arbitrary number every day.
You can build movement naturally into your routine by:
Pacing while on the phone
Taking an extra trip upstairs
Parking a little further from the shop entrance
Walking the dog around the block instead of just to the corner
Step Goals (That Actually Feel Achievable)
3,000–5,000 steps a day: supports basic movement and circulation
7,000–10,000 steps a day: boosts cardiovascular and mental health benefits
Feeling overwhelmed? Try a “move every hour” goal instead
It’s all about what’s realistic for you.
Small Movements, Big Impact
Movement is progress; no matter what it looks like.
Stretching counts. Standing up and shaking off tension counts. Dancing in your kitchen absolutely counts.
Start where you are.
Do what you can.
Because every step, every stretch, and every movement matters.
If you’re ready to start moving more, your way, explore personal training with Rhiannon at Not So Typical Fitness. I help neurodivergent people and beginners find fitness routines that actually fit their lives, energy, and sensory needs. Find out more about personal training services in Wolverhampton and online.
Related Reading
FAQs About Movement and Activity
What counts as movement?
Anything that gets your body moving! This could be walking, stretching, fidgeting, dancing, gardening, cleaning, or even gentle chair exercises.
Do I need to exercise every day?
Not necessarily, but finding small ways to move daily (even a few minutes) helps circulation, reduces stiffness, and supports overall health.
What if I’m too tired to work out?
Low-energy days happen. Try gentle stretches or slow-paced walking. Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be beneficial.
How can I stay consistent?
Set small, achievable goals, like moving for five minutes every hour or aiming for a few thousand steps a day. Consistency grows from small wins.
