By Teanna Gentry
What lights your face up with a smile? What makes your heart beat a little faster? Think about it. For me, it has always been moving. Running, jumping, swimming, dance, gymnastics, basketball. You name the sport or activity, I have done it.

Two stories come to my mind when I think back to all the activities I did in my childhood, and how moving has always brought life to my body and a smile to my face. Picture a short little girl, blond hair, blue eyes—always on the go. That was me.

One story my Dad always used to share with me was about how I would always be running. He asked me why I loved to run. I said, “Because I’m faster than everybody.” I wasn’t always, but I loved it. I loved to feel the wind against my face as I moved my legs and arms as fast as I could along the grass outside my country home.

And boy, did it feel good to win the elementary school “fun runs” around the playground. Running spoke life to my soul.

Second story. Same little girl. Beautiful Eastern Washington mountains and the Colville Valley as my backdrop and the woods my playground. I used to go out on our property and run. ALL THE TIME. Sometimes I would pretend I was a horse
galloping along a race track—inching my neck out at the finish to win the gold. There were even obstacles involved...sticks I would place over rocks to act as a steeple jump, or logs to hop over. I loved it.

Fast forward to my college years —I ended up getting a full ride for track and field scholarship to run at Eastern Washington University...so I guess running around all those years paid off.

Think about it. What do you do that makes you light up? Maybe it’s something as simple as grabbing a morning cup of coffee down the street at your local coffee shop, or getting up to take your dog on a walk before work.

Or making sure your kids are clothed, happy, and ready for the day. Life is
busy. We are always moving, going, pushing, pulling. I would challenge you next time you move, make it a move that brings that smile, that quick heartbeat, that extra bounce in your step. Happiness is the groundwork for health. Do you believe it? I do.

Teanna Gentry is a health and wellness guru from the Pacific Northwest who
has a passion for helping people find freedom in movement, being healthy, and inspiring them to take care of their bodies. She was an all conference Track and Field athlete at Eastern Washington University and has since found a love for teaching and coaching people in the fitness and wellness world over the past 3 years. She is a certified yoga instructor with over 300 hrs. of training and is currently finishing up her Barre training (ballet, yoga, pilates fusion). Teanna is the Director of Operations at Hot Feet Fitness in Burien, WA. She promises you will
sweat, laugh, and have a great time if you come take a class for FREE
with her!