Shape Magazine

Get Empowered

Walk Tall: A Body Confidence Workout

These six movements are designed to increase your mind-body awareness and help you build body confidence.

1. Rhythm move: Dancing
Our bodies want and need to move and play to be fully alive. Rhythm sets up possibilities for release, expansion, joy. Put on any music that has ever inspired you to dance, such as songs by Gloria Estefan, Brian Setzer, or even a classical piece. Begin moving in this pattern: Isolate a body part, then move the rest of your body along with it. First move your head: nodding, turning it from side to side and doing gentle neck rolls, for example. Be aware of how the rest of your body wants to move as you do this, then let it move along with your head. Move on to your shoulders, back, hips, legs and feet. As you move each body part, say, out loud (or silently) an appreciation or positive affirmation of it, such as "My arms move so fluidly" or "My legs are strong." Each time you do Rhythms, put on a different piece of music and explore how your body feels.