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| During Lindsay Arnold’s first pregnancy, she noticed how little representation there was in the fitness world. Unable to find a program with offerings that welcome all ages, body types, and ability levels, she created one herself. The Movement Club helps people discover a love for what bodies can do rather than how they look. |
| Below, we chat with Arnold about her professional dancing career, self-care routine, and words of support for fellow folks living with skin conditions.
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| *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. |
| Q: |
How has dancing affected your life and overall well-being? |
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| A: I learned so much growing up as a dancer. I found a self-awareness and work ethic that has helped me throughout my career and life. |
| My favorite thing that dance taught me was finding joy in moving my body and taking care of it. As I’ve grown older, I look at movement or "fitness" as something I’m giving to myself and not something I’m forcing myself to do. The happiness that can be unlocked by finding joy in what our bodies can do is so beneficial for everyone, and I'm grateful that dancing helped me understand that. |
| Q: |
As a parent, professional dancer, and business owner, I imagine your schedule is jam packed. How do you make time to incorporate movement and self-care into your day, especially when you feel tired or unmotivated? |
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| A: As women, I think it's so easy to spend our energy on everyone and everything but ourselves. I’ve really tried this past year to make sure that every single day I’m giving time to myself! It's nonnegotiable, and I look at it as a necessity for each day rather than a "bonus" or only something I do if I get to it. |
| Whether it's 5 minutes or 45 minutes, whatever I can fit into my day –– making that “me” time a priority each day has been the biggest game-changer. I’m more focused, happy, and ready to take on daily challenges when I give back to myself. |
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| Q: |
What’s your advice for folks on how to find the type of movement that feels best for them? |
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| A: Be willing to explore and step outside of your comfort zone. We often count something out if we aren't immediately "good" at it or if it challenges us, but I believe that's where we find growth. Have confidence, and don't be afraid to try something new until it feels good! |
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| A: As much as I try to not let it affect my confidence, it can definitely take its toll. I try to remember that our true beauty is so much more than what’s on the outside and that we are our toughest critics! On those days when my skin is struggling the most, I find that mostly no one notices as much as I do, so I try to be easier on myself and not talk or think negatively about it. I try to focus on doing what I can to help the issue and remember that the rest is out of my hands! |
| I’ve been doing daily red light LED therapy, and it has helped so much with my flare-ups and kept the dermatitis much calmer. I’ve also stripped back on using any skin care products that use any type of acid and really focus on keeping the area hydrated. |
| Q: |
Do you have any tips or words of support for fellow people with skin conditions? |
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| A: You are not your skin! You’re so much more than that, and your true beauty and the reason people love you is because of YOU. It can be so tough, but try to remember that this is a phase, and it will pass. |
| I also think it's very helpful to know that skin issues are something that almost everyone deals with at some point in their lives, so you’re not alone! |
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