Reclaim Movement: Jump Back Into Vitality Using Joyful Movement with Your Dog, with Wendy Welpton Mystic Dog Mama

We all know we should exercise, but we don’t all know how we need to move

Well, whatever it is you’re doing while listening to the podcast, (apart from driving!) I know today’s guest, Wendy Welpton, is going to inspire you to think about how you can incorporate new ways of moving while you’re doing it. Wendy founded Reclaim Movement after a running injury at age 40 turned into 4 years of chronic pain. In her search for answers and to reclaim her own movement again she discovered natural movement. Natural movement, if you aren’t familiar with it, is the philosophy of training real life practical movements to be able to keep using them as we age. It also involves strengthening and mobilising whole-body movement patterns that are underused in today’s modern world. When Wendy started using natural movement in how own life, it made her realise she had found a way to move for life. Wendy’s aim is to help you embrace a movement-rich life, at any age, to improve mobility, strength and confidence to keep moving well and doing the things you love for as long as you want. 

I first came across Wendy’s work through her Instagram reels where she shares really simple ways to incorporate a variety of movements into the things we are already doing. Wendy’s philosophy is that it’s not about adding more things to your to-do list, but instead, doing what you’re already doing more intentionally, whether that’s practicing balancing on one foot to put your shoes on, sitting on the floor to fold laundry, or even squatting to clean you dog’s paws after a muddy walk.

In our conversation today, Wendy and I talk about really simple ways you can start modifying and improving the quality of your movements right now, regardless of your mobility level. We also talk about how to turn your everyday routines with your dog, including your daily walk, into joyful opportunities to support your strength and mobility - along with your dog’s - so that you two can have many years of health, happiness, and fun together.

As we get started, I wanted to take a moment to let you know that this episode is supported by Aspirationery, which, in full transparency, is another project of mine where we create books, notebooks, and stationery to help you become all you aspire to be. You can check out our shadow work and moon magic journals and workbooks, as well as our popular “My First Period Tracker” for young girls and tweens on Instagram @aspirationery.

Ok, on that note, let’s get moving!

TIME STAMPS

00:22 INTRO

03:55 Introducing Wendy Welpton of Reclaim Movement. What is natural movement?

05:25 Wendy’s journey from 4 years of chronic pain to natural movement

13:30 Easily adding natural movement into your daily activities

17:45 Gratitude for our body vs punishing our body

19:50 The value of getting on the ground regularly - especially with your dog!

27:30 The dog walk as a prime opportunity to engage your body - and your dog’s body - in new, playful ways

34:19 Embrace your inner weirdo

38:20 Shake things up and find more joy

43:00 The mind-body connection for releasing pain, and stuck emotions

47:10 Top tips for walking in alignment and preventing falling

54:18 Work with Wendy

57:02 What dogs have taught Wendy about what it means to be human

59:04 OUTRO



Get in touch with me on Instagram @mysticdogmama



More about Reclaim Movement:

Website & Free Resources - https://reclaimmovement.co.uk

Instagram - https://instagram.com/@reclaim.movement

YouTube - https://youtube.com/@reclaim.movement

Podcast - ‘Make Movement Matter’ on Spotify or Apple Podcasts



Check out the videos Wendy mentioned on walking techniques:

Want to walk more efficiently? 2 simple body adjustments you can implement today

Uncovering the surprising pre-walk routine you didn't know you needed!youtu.be

5 Natural Movements to prepare your body for walking wellyoutu.be

DISCLAIMER: This is not a substitute for medical advice or other releva