Move Because You Love It: Finding Joy in New Ways to Get Active This Summer

By Erica Perusse BS, MS/DI Candidate

Summer makes everything a little sweatier like your errands, your energy, your entire existence by 3 p.m. And while workouts might feel like the last thing you want to squeeze in between iced coffees and cold showers, movement can actually help you feel more grounded, more energized, and a whole lot more like yourself.

The key? Choose movement that feels fun, not forced.

You do not need a 60-minute HIIT class or a five-day split to “count” as active. Your body is not checking your watch or tracking your output like a judgmental Apple Watch. It just wants to move. And when you move in ways that you enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with it, because it feels like something you get to do, not something you have to do.

A few trending ways get active that are actually fun

1. Rebounding (aka mini trampoline workouts)

Yes, bouncing around like a kid is back, and it’s surprisingly effective. Rebounding is low impact, improves balance and coordination, supports your lymphatic system (which helps with detox and immune health), and gets your heart rate up without stressing your joints. Bonus: it’s hard not to smile when you’re bouncing. Science agrees, playful movement increases endorphins.

2. Hot Girl or Guy Walks

Still trending, still simple, still great. Walk for 30–45 minutes, listen to something you love, and focus on what you’re grateful for, what you’re working on, and how great your legs look in motion. This isn’t just a feel-good trend! It’s also a sneaky way to support mental health, reduce stress hormones, and get gentle cardiovascular movement.

3. Dance-Based Fitness (Zumba,YouTube dance parties, or TikTok hip hop workouts)

Dance workouts hit the sweet spot between cardio and chaos, in the best way. They improve coordination, boost mood, and burn calories without feeling like punishment. There’s a reason people who dance regularly tend to stick with it. It feels good. And no, you do not need rhythm to join the party.

4. Paddleboarding or Aqua Movement

Perfect for summer. Paddleboarding builds core strength, balance, and stability. Aqua fitness is gentle on joints but still gets your heart pumping. You also get sunshine, fresh air, and a splash of joy. Literally.

5. Walking Meditations and Outdoor Yoga

These help you slow down your nervous system, reduce cortisol, and reconnect with your body. You don’t always need to sweat to move with purpose. Walking in silence or flowing through gentle yoga outside can be powerful for both body and mind.

Why joyful movement matters

• Improves consistency: When you enjoy it, you’re more likely to do it again. This builds real habits.

  
  

• Boosts mental health: Movement releases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Think of it as emotional flossing.

  
  

• Supports long-term health: Regular physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and even some cancers.

  
  

• Regulates stress: Movement, especially rhythmic or aerobic types (like walking, dancing, swimming), helps your body process stress hormones more efficiently.

  
  

• Enhances sleep and energy: People who move daily often report deeper sleep and more daytime energy. That’s not a coincidence.

Quick tips to make it easier

• Keep shoes near the door. No friction, no excuses.

  
  

• Schedule your movement like a meeting with yourself.

  
  

• Set a “get started” timer for 5 minutes. If you want to stop after that, cool. You probably won’t.

  
  

• Pair movement with something enjoyable like music, a podcast, fresh air, or a friend.

  
  

• Choose a vibe. Some days you’re a serene yogi, other days you’re a sweaty squirrel. Both are valid.

You do not need to force yourself into someone else’s idea of fitness. You just need to find what feels good in your body. Movement is not about burning calories or shrinking yourself. It’s about showing up for your body with compassion, energy, and maybe even a little fun.

So this week, try something new. Maybe that’s bouncing on a trampoline, dancing in your living room, or walking a few loops around your neighborhood while listening to something that makes you laugh. Movement gets to be a celebration, not a chore.

And if you find something you love, share it with the NWE community. We’d love to hear what’s bringing you joy.