Move It Monday

There’s a trend that’s been sweeping social media recently. Maybe you’ve seen it: #motivationmonday. With an average of almost 11 million posts, and probably spiking even higher in the Resolution month of January, this weekly motivational boost seems to really be helping people get moving.

There’s actually some real psychology behind it as well. According to health researchers at Johns Hopkins University, Mondays are a particularly motivating day “for people to begin or renew commitments to improve health behaviors.” This discovery led the University’s Center for a Livable Future to get involved with “The Monday Campaigns,” a nonprofit public health initiative that imparts weekly tips, guidance and support for those wanting to start and maintain healthy behaviors.

In the spirit of paying it forward, “The Monday Campaigns” partnered with The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), to create “Move It Monday,” an IHRSA Member Toolkit designed to help all their member facilities start their own “Move It Monday” programs. IHRSA’s senior manager of health promotion and health policy, Alexandra Black Larcom, feels it’s a no-brainer. “Being active early on can put anyone in the right mindset to continue their healthy habits and meet and surpass goals all week long,” she says, adding, “Monday sets the tone for the rest of the week.”

So whether it’s #motivationmonday, “Move It Monday,” or just a Manic Monday, use whatever helps motivate you to get moving every week. Use it or lose it!

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