The Perfect Balance: Mixing Movement for Health, Joy, and Connection
- Clémentine Morvan
- Sep 5
- 5 min read
In my last article, I explored the beauty of mindful movement and how it supports longevity. Today, I want to take things a step further and explore why mixing different types of exercise — combining slower, restorative practices with bursts of higher-intensity movement — is one of the best ways to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Not only does this approach support long-term health, but it also brings joy, fun, and connection into your daily life.
Why Variety is the Secret Ingredient
Our bodies are designed to move in many ways, not just one. High-intensity exercises or resistance training— like running, CrossFit, cycling, HIIT workouts, or energetic dance — challenge the heart, lungs, and muscles. They push our limits, build stamina, and improve overall strength. These exercises are invigorating, and after a good session, you feel that natural “high” that comes from endorphins flooding your system. The more you move, the more you want to move.
On the other hand, slower, mindful practices such as yoga, Pilates, walking, or gentle stretching help restore balance. They soothe the nervous system, improve flexibility, and protect our joints from the wear and tear that can come from repetitive high-intensity movement. They also really help with weight loss and
When we combine the two, something remarkable happens: our bodies become resilient, adaptable, and capable of withstanding stress — both physical and mental. Research shows that people who incorporate both types of movement into their routine experience better cardiovascular health, stronger bones and muscles, and improved mental clarity.
Think of it like creating a symphony in your body: the high-intensity exercises are the bold, energizing notes, while the slower practices are the soft, grounding chords. Together, they create harmony, helping you feel alive, balanced, and strong.
Exercise as a Form of Self-Care
Beyond the physical benefits, movement is one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of self-care. High-intensity workouts allow us to release tension, shake off stress, and feel empowered in our own bodies. There’s something deeply satisfying about pushing yourself, seeing progress, and embracing that sense of accomplishment.
Slower practices, on the other hand, encourage reflection and presence. A gentle yoga session or a mindful walk can help you reconnect with your breath, quiet the mind, and find calm in the midst of life’s busyness. These moments aren’t just “exercise” — they are intentional pauses in the day where you care for your body, reset your energy, and nurture your mental well-being.
What’s even more powerful is that blending these approaches transforms movement from a chore into a source of fun and enjoyment. Imagine starting the week with a revitalizing yoga flow, moving into a midweek HIIT session that makes you laugh through the sweat, and ending the week with a long, mindful walk outdoors. Not only does your body reap the benefits, but your mind feels lighter, happier, and more present.
The Power of Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of exploring new sports or fitness practices is the community you can build along the way. Joining a class, signing up for a local sports club, or participating in group activities opens the door to meaningful connections. These people can quickly become your extended family — cheering for your wins, supporting you during challenges, and sharing in the everyday joys of life.
Being part of a community has real mental health benefits. Studies show that social connection can reduce stress, boost mood, and even improve longevity. A supportive network of people who share your interests makes the journey of movement more joyful and sustainable.
Even small gestures — like celebrating a friend’s personal best in a run, swapping tips for perfecting a yoga pose, or enjoying a coffee after a cycling class — create a sense of belonging. This feeling of shared purpose, support, and camaraderie enriches your life far beyond the fitness benefits.
Tips for Finding Your Perfect Sport
Finding the right activity for you doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to make it enjoyable and sustainable:
Follow your curiosity, not trends: Choose activities that genuinely spark your interest, rather than what’s currently popular on social media. If you feel drawn to paddleboarding, try it — it might surprise you how much joy it brings.
Rotate and experiment: Keep your routine fresh by trying something new each season. Hiking in spring, dance classes in summer, swimming in autumn, and indoor yoga in winter can keep both your body and mind engaged. Variety is not only stimulating but also protective for your joints and muscles.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to how each activity makes you feel during and after. Some days your body craves the release of a high-energy session; other days, it longs for a gentle, restorative practice. Honour those signals.
Balance solo and social activities: Some forms of exercise are perfect for introspection, while others are better in a group. Both are valuable — solo practices help you connect inward, while group activities foster connection outward.
Embrace being a beginner: There’s immense brain benefit in learning something new. Trying a new sport challenges coordination, memory, and focus, keeping your mind sharp and your spirit curious.
Movement as a Lifestyle
At its core, movement is more than exercise — it’s a lifestyle. By blending intensity with stillness, play with mindfulness, and solo practice with community, we create a holistic approach to health. It nourishes the body, sparks joy, and fosters connections that sustain us through life’s ups and downs.
For me, this journey became real when I discovered CrossFit. I started cautiously, going once a week, then gradually twice, simply leaning into the process and seeing what my body was capable of. Before I knew it, I had booked an unlimited pass, and the changes were undeniable — I began to feel genuinely stronger, fitter, and more confident. I even started competing in different competitions, and for the first time, I looked in the mirror and actually liked what I saw. Beyond the physical transformation, CrossFit brought an unexpected and significant gift: a sense of belonging. My husband and I, being foreign and new to the UK, didn’t have our “people” here.
Finding a community through CrossFit meant discovering an extended family — people who care, who cheer for your wins, and who genuinely support you through life’s toughest moments, whether it’s losing a job, struggling with housing, or simply facing a challenging day. That combination of strength, joy, and belonging transformed not just my fitness, but my life.
If you ever wanted to try CrossFit, and are local to the St Albans area, I highly recommend CrossFit Verulamium. This is where I train, and I have only good things to say, as you can read above.
Your body craves variety, your mind craves novelty, and your heart craves connection. By combining them, movement becomes more than just a workout — it becomes a way of living fully, joyfully, and in balance.
If you are ready to feel strong, prioritise yourself and need help kick-starting your Wellness Journey, we're a button away!
If you want a good read and more tips on how to add more movement in your life, my book My Little Healthy Guide is now available at Waterstones!
Lots of Love,
Clementine
Founder & CEO of Elevated
Comments