Movement for Weight Loss: My Simple, Honest Goal This Week
My Starting Point: Small Changes Leading to Movement for Weight Loss
For the last two weeks of my weight loss journey, I started with a plan built around moderation. Then I focused on drinking more water. Now, I’m moving into the next step: movement for weight loss. If you’re just joining me, I want you to know I’m starting out by making small changes, not drastic ones. I get that quick results are what we all want, but I’m focused on lasting progress. My goal isn’t just to lose weight, it’s to improve my whole health, and that’s why adding movement is so important to my success.
Remembering When Movement Came Naturally
As a kid, I was super active. Back then, parents just let us run loose, no schedules, no screens. I was climbing trees, playing all the neighborhood games, and hanging out with my older brother playing sports like softball and dodgeball. Summers meant endless hours at the neighborhood pool. But once puberty hit, the weight slowly started to creep on. And of course, as you get older, you just don’t move like you did as a kid, and your metabolism isn’t the same either. (That’s a whole other story for another post!)
Now, I’m well past childhood and don’t move nearly as much as I used to. Most of my day is spent at a computer or behind my sewing machine. So, if I want to stay active, I have to make deliberate time to move this ole body.
Why I’m Choosing Simple Movement Over Traditional Exercise
Now, I know what folks think when they hear “movement for weight loss.” They hear exercise—and I mean the hardcore, structured kind. I’ll be honest: I hate (and yes, that’s a strong word) traditional exercise programs. I grew up during the Richard Simmons and Denise Austin era, when aerobics ruled the TV and gym classes were full of peppy moves and leotards. I tried all that. It felt like a chore—and honestly, it bored me to pieces.
Since my life right now is extremely sedentary, I’ve made peace with starting small. I’m focusing on simple movement for weight loss—the kind that may not look like much, but gets me intentionally moving more than I did yesterday. For me, it’s not about reps or routines. It’s about being present and finding ways to use my body more throughout the day. The goal is just to move more this week than I did last week. That’s the only competition I’m interested in right now. 😂
Simple Ways I’m Adding More Movement Into My Day
Just in case you’re in the same boat as me—working from home, sitting a lot, not a fan of structured workouts, here’s what I’m starting with. These aren’t fancy or intense, but they’re helping me ease into natural movement for weight loss in a way that fits my life:
🟡 Easy Movement Ideas I’m Starting With:
Using the stairs – I’ve got steps at home, and I plan to use them to help build endurance. Walking on flat ground is fine, but steps and hills? That’s where the real work begins!
Standing with purpose – Yesterday while ironing, I made it a point to move my legs the whole time. If I’m already up, I might as well keep things moving.
Setting intervals to get up – When I’m sitting too long (which happens a lot), I’m starting to set little reminders to stand up and walk around for a bit.
Using a mini cycle – I’ve got one of those cycles you can use while sitting, and I plan to use it when I’m deep into computer work. It’s low-key but still gets my legs moving.
This is just the beginning, y’all. I’ll be updating as I go and as I figure out what really works for me in this new season of movement.
“It’s not about moving perfectly — it’s about moving consistently. Small steps every day add up to big changes.”
— Everyday Dana
Staying Hydrated and Moving Forward
Quick update on my water intake. I’m not quite where I want to be yet, but I’ve been intentional about keeping water close and actually drinking what’s beside me. That alone has helped me more than I thought it would. I’ve been thinking about switching to a large travel mug instead of using my regular cup, just so I don’t have to keep refilling it all the time. But then again… getting up to fill my cup might be just the little movement I need! Ha — we’ll see what wins out.
This is all part of my focus on creating small habits that support my health without feeling overwhelming. Check back next week for how the movement goals are going ,and whether I finally made peace with the water situation. 😄
If you want to see more of how I’m making movement feel natural and even a little enjoyable, head over to my
If You Were at My Table
section. I’ve got a post on how I fold laundry that might sound simple, but honestly, it’s become one of my favorite ways to sneak in some feel-good movement while knocking out a chore.
