PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: EASE INTO EXERCISE

Today’s post is all about the Ease Into Exercise program here at MOVEHAPPY! This program was curated by Registered Kinesiologist and Exercise Physiologist, Sarah McFadyen, to support and guide individuals who are looking to gently get back into a safe and sustainable exercise routine.

There are many reasons why a person might be looking to start new exercise program. Perhaps they're brand new to exercise or they've taken a long break from it due to an injury, sickness or just having a baby. Another reason could be that they've never had a positive relationship with exercise (and for many reasons) and find it difficult to stick to a routine. Whatever the reason is, it’s important to take the right steps towards your fitness journey to help set you up for lifelong success.  

Although most of our classes at MOVEHAPPY are beginner friendly and suitable for all fitness levels, we sought to design a program that would assist individuals looking to build the foundation in a slow, gentle and progressive way. We also understand that many exercise programs can be quite intimidating or unsuitable for many beginners, someone living with an underlying health condition or managing aches and pains, so we wanted to close the gap and create a program that people felt safe doing, welcomed and supported throughout their journey.

About Our Program

Most of us know that exercise is important for our overall health and wellness, but you don’t have to rush into it either. Easing in is critical if you're not only looking to prevent injury and burnout but to also make sustainable and lifelong habits. An easy, methodical and sustainable approach is more likely to bring you long-term success and better health to last your entire life.

Furthermore, moving slowly and knowing how to do the exercises properly allows you to effectively engage the correct muscles and reap all of the benefits while avoiding injury. In many cases, knowing the proper form makes the exercise easier to execute and a whole lot more enjoyable!

The Ease into Exercise Program is a week of classes designed to ease individuals into physical activity with easy to follow classes, step-by-step explanations and education. These classes also allow the individual to exercise at their own pace, intensity and progress at their own comfort level.

The best part? You can take this program for absolutely free, complete each class at your own pace and get access to ALL of our classes with our 14-day trial, click here to start today 💕

Registered Kinesiologist, Sarah, demonstrating a back row in Day 2 to help improve posture and upper body strength.

How the program is structured 

There is a week worth of classes that are 25 minutes or less consisting of gentle stretching, breathwork, mobility and strength training requiring little to no equipment.  

Each class starts with a warm-up as we ease into a circuit of gentle yet muscle-burning movements and end with stretch. 

The classes include: 

☑ Lower Body Stretch & Strength

☑ Upper Body Stretch & Strength

☑ Full-Body Yoga Stretch With The Chair

☑ Gentle Core

☑ Low-Impact Cardio & Strength 

We understand that for some of us, getting up and down off of the floor can be uncomfortable on the joints or cause dizziness and that's why we've strategically designed our classes to be on the mat (with the exception of Day 5, which is all from standing) so we can focus more on the movements and feeling good! 

Ways to use the program 

• You could take the week’s worth of classes over and over- they will continue to be effective!
• After a week or two of doing the program (or when you feel ready), you can begin to slowly bump up the intensity or progress by increasing the external load if needed, as long as you're not losing form and it feels good on your body!
• You can also feel free to take any of these classes on their own. Maybe you're having a low energy day and you need a pinch of movement, these classes will be perfect! 
• Since all of our classes at MOVEHAPPY are beginner and joint-friendly, the transition from Ease Into Exercise and into our general classes will be smooth.

Do you feel ready to Ease Into your health journey in a gentle and sustainable way? Then click here to start your journey today for absolutely free 💕

Day 3 - Full-Body Yoga Stretch With The Chair. This might become your new favourite routine to help relax your mind and body, release tension and improve flexibility.  

Reminders

Don’t Worry About Big Changes

Change takes time and that’s ok! If you go into your workout routine with the expectation that exercise and lifestyle change is a process and not a race, you’ll be more likely to enjoy the journey and most importantly, stick to it! 

Take it slow 

The biggest thing to keep in mind is to take it slow. People have a tendency to overdo it initially and they end up with injuries because the body is not prepared for the extra activity. Low-intensity and joint-friendly workouts are a great way to reintroduce the mind and body to exercise.

Consult with your physician 

You should always consult your physician or health care specialist before commencing a new exercise program, especially if you have any chronic or recurring physical conditions, and/or if you are pregnant, nursing or elderly.

Listen to your body 

Above all else, please remember to listen to your body and be kind to yourself. We are here to guide and support you along the way!

Here's what they're saying! 

Sarah’s approach to health and fitness is practical, adaptable, and grounded in behavioural science versus fads. She meets you where you're at and gives you tools and tactics that work for the individual to keep them active throughout the years. One thing I really appreciate is her ability to make fitness fun and approachable. I find there are many programs that are quite intimidating. MOVEHAPPY does an exceptional job at making you feel welcome no matter your fitness level.

- Sean Overin, Physiotherapist  

Sarah is knowledgeable, kind and works around your strengths and weaknesses. Best of all, she does it all with fun, humour & keeps me smiling and happy even when I’m being too hard on myself. Thoroughly happy & getting healthy being part of her tribe!

- Kim P. 

Are you ready to Ease Into Exercise? At MOVEHAPPY, getting people moving and exercising from home is our passion and expertise! You can take this program for absolutely free with our 14-day trial, click here to start today 💕