As a wife, mother of rambunctious twins, and a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, my life is beautifully chaotic. Some days my schedule feels like a game of Tetris, squeezing in nap times, snack times, workout plans for clients, and combos for classes, alongside my own fitness goals.

For a long time, I thought honouring my body meant sticking to rigid routines and hitting the gym at specific times. But over the years, I’ve realised something transformative: movement doesn’t have to fit in a box, and neither do you.

Movement is everywhere — if you look for it

Fitness often gets presented as something that happens within four walls, under fluorescent lights, and amid rows of cardio machines. But for me, joy in movement started when I let go of that idea and embraced what was already in front of me.

Sometimes it’s the laughter-filled chaos of chasing the chocolate babies at the park, their screams urging me to sprint faster than I ever would on at the track. Other times it’s a quiet mid-morning walk with hubby, talking away, holding hands while absorbing all of the sun’s rays. These moments don’t look like the "traditional" idea of exercise, but they feel so much better — because they’re rooted in connection and joy.

Fitness is not one-size-fits-all

As a trainer, I often meet women who feel discouraged because they can’t commit to a "perfect" routine. Maybe they’ve tried a 5am boot camp but ended up more exhausted than energised. Maybe they signed up for a spin class that everyone raves about but didn’t love it (probably haven't tried XPerience!). But for real that’s okay. You’re not a cookie-cutter version of someone else. Your life, your body and your preferences are uniquely yours, and your movement should reflect that.

For some, fitness might look like a sweaty, high-energy group class that leaves you feeling unstoppable. For others, it might be a soothing yoga flow or even a solo dance party in the living room. For me, it’s a mix of everything — teaching group classes to fuel my passion, family walks to soak up nature, and quick stretches while the chocolates nap to recharge my spirit.

Honouring your body means listening to it

Your body is not a machine — it’s your home, your partner and your greatest gift. Honouring it doesn’t mean pushing it to extremes or punishing it when life gets busy. It means listening to what it needs. Some days it craves intensity — a heart-pounding workout that makes you feel strong. Other days it whispers for gentleness, asking you to rest, stretch, or simply be still.

When I stopped measuring success by calories burnt or weights lifted and started focusing on how movement made me feel, everything shifted. I found freedom in letting go of expectations and embracing flexibility.

Teach joy through movement

One of the most rewarding parts of motherhood is showing the chocolate babies the beauty of movement — not as a chore, but as a source of joy. We turn walks into scavenger hunts, dance around the kitchen while dinner simmers, and play endless rounds of hide-and-seek. They don’t see movement as "exercise" — they see it as fun. That’s the mindset I hope to pass on to them and the one I strive to embody every day.

Your movement, your story

Fitness is not a race, and there’s no gold star for following someone else’s plan. What matters is finding what lights you up and fits into your life. Maybe that’s a fitness class where you’re surrounded by people who inspire you. Maybe it’s a quiet walk at the Arboretum, feeling the crunch of leaves underfoot. Or maybe it’s both — and so much more.

So, mama, wife, friend, or simply a woman trying to honour the body she’s been given: let go of the rules. Celebrate the moments that make you feel alive. Movement is everywhere — find yours and embrace it. Because when you move with joy, you’re not just honouring your body, you’re honouring your life.

Happy Wednesday, fitfam! As usual, remain unapologetic about your fitness and wellness journey, stay true to yourself and always be honest with your efforts.

• Dre Hinds is a personal trainer, aerobic and yoga instructor and fitness “addict” with more than 20 years’ experience. She specialises in nutrition, weight and sprint training, operating out of HindsSight Fitness and Wellness at the Berkeley Cultural Centre. Contact her on absbydre@gmail.com or 599-6683. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under @Absbydre