Movement Routine
As an Australian mother of two who’s been living in Sweden for eight years, Meg has always been passionate about helping people feel their best. Movement is crucial to her, which is why she teach a variety of fitness classes. She also work one-on-one, providing energy healing and coaching sessions. Her goal is to guide and support individuals in their journey to balance and optimal health, integrating movement, mindfulness, and energy healing.
Instagram @Megaudrey
This week we have had the privilege to interview Meg about her movement routine is and what her secret is to make it sustainable.
What is your key to a sustainable movement routine?
I think we (and society) put so much pressure on ourselves to get a “full 45min workout” x amount of times per week when really, just giving yourself 10 minutes a day is so effective and also maintainable. I have also found that by allowing this to be my baseline, opens up more self-connection AND self-compassion. It often ends up being more than 10 minutes but feels organic and takes away the feeling of force.
For me, working as a fitness instructor means that I am guaranteed a certain amount of workouts a week, so on the outside of that, I really try to take the pressure off and commit to a “little bit every day” mentality.
Some days look like high-intensity, and other days it might look like somatic movement and breathing. As women, we have different stages in our cycle, so really starting to become aware and attuned to what your body needs is such a great tool in planning your workouts ahead if you do like to do that. Knowing that in some weeks you are likely to have more energy will guide you to book those high intensity classes like indoor cycle, and in other weeks when the energy levels are dipping, perhaps that slow, yummy, restorative Yin is exactly what you need.
My tip: learn your cues. Learn your body. Listen to her so she can teach you what movement she needs 🥰
-Why is movement important in a healthy lifestyle?
Movement is life force! Not only does movement contribute to a physically healthy lifestyle, but to support your mental health, your emotional and spiritual well-being (and so much more), it is VITAL. Energy moves through and around the body and when we feel stuck or stagnant in our life, whether that be emotionally or physically, if you get up and move your body, 9 times out of 10, something changes and often we are left feeling lighter, freer, and like we have been able to clear or shake that stagnant feeling.
This isn’t even touching on the endorphin release that comes with movement!
What is your favorite form of movement?
Oh this is a tough one for me. I love all forms of movement, and I believe that we need different things at different times. I LOVE indoor cycle classes/Rhythm Riding, especially when I feel I want to “shake out some energy” or really clear something as it is so high intensity and high energy. I am ALWAYS left smiling after a good sprint! And at the same time, my first fitness career love was the Megaformer machines (where I taught in Stockholm- The Place Stockholm). Lagree Megaformer is by far the most effective, and challenging workout I have EVER done.
However, If I’m not at the studio, any form of dancing or intuitive movement with music that my soul connects feels so good. 🥰
As a mom of two, how are your point of view of movement for your kids?
Having been raised with a mother in the health and fitness industry, I learnt the importance of movement and health at a very young age.
I am so grateful for all of the lessons I learnt and the values I now carry into my parenting and family life. I try to include my daughters where possible and teach them to use movement as modalities and tools to help them with their emotions and feelings. There is often a dance party going on in our house or a “shake out all the silly’s” with breath and physical movement.
We have our own little routine which incorporates movement and breath so to teach them how to regulate and FEEL using movement is such a big important piece of that puzzle and my hope is that they grow up knowing and feeling the value of movement in their life.
As a parent how do you create time and space for your own wellbeing?
Haha, I would love to say “I just find the time!” But honestly, it’s not always the way. As mothers(and parents) we often put our own needs down in order to accomodate and support our little ones.
But one of the life analogies that my husband and I have always spoken about is the “put your oxygen mask on first” theory. - when you are on a plane and they talk you through the safety they always say “In the case of an emergency, place your own oxygen mask on before helping others”, and this is such an important reminder that we cannot pour from an empty cup.
So how do I make time? I pick 2 things that are non negotiable in my well-being routine, whether that be journalling, meditation or my skincare routine in the morning. And I try to allow myself those 2 things every day where it’s possible.
I rotate these based on what I need of course.
Whatever else I manage is a bonus, and when the kids are at school I am usually able to find some more time for myself. Small acts of self love that keep me connect to my self and my well-being. And when the kids are around- INCLUDE THEM! Monkey see, monkey do!
If you would give a person struggling with their movement habits/ routines what would be your top 3 tips?
You don’t have to wait until Monday/next week/the New Year to make a change.
Today is the perfect day to start.
If you are overwhelmed by the thought of changing EVERYTHING, make one small change at a time. Set yourself a reminder 2x per day to pause, take a break (this can be 1-2 minutes or whatever you can allocate) and move your body - even if that means stretching your spine, or your arms as you take 5 deep breaths. Or roll out your yoga mat, see what happens.
Grab a buddy and sign up for a new class, bringing a friend with you is always so motivating when it comes to movement. Make a challenge together. Set your goals together. Support each other!