Movement Culture- what it is and why women over 50 want one for sustainable fitness and joy

Movement Culture: History, Evolution, and Your Personal Practice

Introduction Movement culture isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life. The term, deeply rooted in both history and philosophy, describes an approach to physical activity that goes beyond traditional fitness. It emphasizes a holistic connection between the mind, body, and environment. My work as a movement coach and researcher has drawn from this rich heritage to develop the MAPS system—a framework designed to make movement accessible, sustainable, and joyful for people of all ages.

In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of movement culture, its evolution over time, and how it ties into my MAPS system for creating a sustainable movement practice.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Is Movement Culture?
  3. The Evolution of Movement Culture
  4. The MAPS System: Making Movement Accessible
    • Movement Snacks
    • Age Positive & Adventures
    • Parkour and Play
    • Strong Resting
  5. Creating Your Sustainable Movement Practice
  6. Conclusion


What Is Movement Culture?

Movement culture is a term that captures the philosophy of engaging with movement as an essential aspect of human life, not merely as exercise. The concept draws on Henning Eichberg’s studies, which emphasize play, creativity, and cultural significance in physical activities. Eichberg argued that movement connects us to our environment, our communities, and even our identities. It’s not about mastering one sport or discipline—it’s about cultivating a relationship with movement that evolves with you.


Historically, movement culture has existed in various forms. Indigenous communities often embedded movement into daily life through rituals, hunting, and gathering. In contrast, industrial societies compartmentalized movement into “work” and “exercise.” Modern movement culture seeks to break this separation, emphasizing play, exploration, and adaptability.

The Evolution of Movement Culture 

Henning Eichberg, a pivotal figure in the philosophy of movement, was born in Schlesien, East Germany. His family moved to Hamburg in 1950, and he later relocated to Denmark in 1982. Eichberg was incredibly productive, publishing numerous books and hundreds of articles in journals translated into 17 languages. Two of his most influential works are “The People of Democracy” and “Bodily Democracy – Towards a Philosophy of Sport for All.”

The name International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) is deeply connected to Eichberg’s philosophy and his alternative ideas about sport. His vision revolved around a culture of being, movement, and “folkelig sport og idræt” (Danish for "popular sport and sport/recreation for all"). He championed amateurism and rejected the elitism often found in mainstream sports.

Eichberg specialized in the concept of a “third way of sports.” The first way was mainstream achievement/elite sports; the second was sport for health. The third way, which Eichberg advocated, focused on mass participation as part of popular culture and civic engagement. As he wrote in 1994:

“Sport is not only sport, but social culture. And there is not only one sport, but there exist as many sports as there are cultures and socialities in a given society.”

He emphasized that popular sport contributes to cultural identity through association, festivity, grassroots activity, and "schools for life."

With Eichberg’s passing, the movement world lost a visionary thinker, but his playful, democratic, and joyful spirit continues to inspire.

My PhD research, Ciné Parkour, reflected on these ideas, examining how parkour practitioners use urban spaces creatively, turning obstacles into opportunities for movement. This philosophy of overcoming challenges through adaptability and play directly informs my approach to movement coaching.

The rise of movement culture can be seen as a response to the rigidity of traditional fitness paradigms. Instead of focusing on repetitive gym routines, it advocates for a diverse range of activities that enhance physical literacy and overall well-being. Influential figures like Ido Portal have popularized this philosophy, encouraging people to explore disciplines like dance, martial arts, and parkour.

My PhD research examined how parkour practitioners use urban spaces creatively, turning obstacles into opportunities for movement as well as self-identity through challenge. This philosophy of overcoming challenges through adaptability and play directly informs my approach to movement coaching.

The MAPS System: Making Movement Accessible At the heart of my work is the MAPS system, which stands for Movement Snacks, Age Positive & Adventurous Lifestyle, Parkour & Play, and Strong Resting. This framework helps individuals develop their own movement culture tailored to their unique needs and lifestyles.

the history of parkour book by julie angel

Movement Snacks

One cornerstone of the MAPS system is the concept of "Movement Snacks." These are short, accessible bursts of activity integrated into daily life. Movement Snacks make it easy to stay active without feeling overwhelmed by long workouts. They’re joyful, practical, and adaptable to any environment.

"You need your own individual movement culture that works for YOU and YOUR everyday life. That means consistently moving in ways that make you feel good, stronger, and more connected in mind and body."

This approach helps people break free from the plateau of traditional fitness routines. As Teresa, one of my students, shared:

"I used to think short workouts didn’t matter. But Julie’s approach showed me that 10 minutes of movement can make a real difference. It’s given me hope and a foundation to sustain my practice."


And there's MORE to way that Movement Snacks are designed than an 'exercise break'. 
To have a Movement practice that is sustainable you want your boy to feel safe and calm at the start of any movement training or exploration. This is why we recommend doing 1 minute of breathwork to be present int he moment and experience mind body unity. Your body feels happier to move when it doesn't feel it is in an emergency /tired and bored situation.

Next up are moves to help Reset your Nervous System like rolling, rocking, and crawling. More on this in another blog soon.

Then invite in MOBILITY - the gateway to movement.

It's a simple recipe that invites in MORE movemnet and will create more energy rather than leaving you feeling depleted.  

Age Positive & Adventures

The MAPS system also embraces an "Age Positive" mindset and Adventurous Lifestyle. One that creates opportunities where you WANT to say YES. Yes to the outings, hikes, travels and experiencing the world without fears of injuries, slowing others down and holding others back.

As we age, movement becomes even more essential for maintaining strength, mobility, and confidence. The key is to shift from viewing movement as a chore to seeing it as an adventure.

"Where you put the mind, the body follows. Once we identify mental blocks, we can create strategies to move with ease and fun."

Rachel, another student, described how this mindset transformed her life:

"I feel more confident in my body and no longer see physical fitness as unattainable. My sleep has improved, and even my husband has noticed positive changes."

Parkour and Play

One of the most exciting aspects of movement culture is rediscovering play. Nothing lights up the brain like Play! Activities like parkour encourage you to see the world as a playground, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. This philosophy keeps movement fresh, fun, and motivating.

It also acts as a catalyst for self transformation and rewriting your own identity. If you can see a bench, wall or railing as something MORE than or different than 'just' a bench, you start to open up the possibilities to your own sense of who you are and what you are capable of. As well as reimagining your environment and having a tactile multi sensory experience of it.

"Once you’ve authentically found your way of moving, you’ll get off the over-under training roller coaster permanently."

Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan shared her experience with this approach:

"The unique style of Movement Snacks brought play and joy back into my body. I feel connected, fluid, and confident—not just in my body but in life."

Strong Resting

Balance is crucial in any sustainable movement practice. The MAPS system emphasizes the importance of "Strong Resting"—the ability to recover and recharge effectively. This is particularly vital for women navigating menopause or other life transitions.

Tami, a client, shared how this principle impacted her:

"Julie’s program taught me to do less and get stronger. The breathing and mindset components were transformative, helping me feel rested and resilient."


When we train we actually 'break down' the tissues and tendons. it is when we are in a state of rest afterwards or in-between that we experience the adaptation and rebuild and become stronger! 

Creating Your Sustainable Movement Practice

Building a sustainable movement culture starts with small, intentional steps. Here’s how you can begin:

  1. Incorporate Movement Snacks: Start with 5-10 minutes of movement each day. Use what you have—no special equipment needed.
  2. Embrace Parkour & Play: Find activities that bring you joy, whether it’s dancing, climbing, or throwing and catching sticks at the beach. 
  3. Prioritize Strong Resting: Balance your active days with intentional recovery practices like breathwork or gentle movement resets.
  4. Stay Age Positive: Celebrate what your body can do at every stage of life. Focus on progress, not perfection.

    5. SUPPORT & ACCOUNTABILITY!
    No successful happy sustainable and strong mover got their own their own. They had a mentor who was there to support them in the good times and struggles. Coaching cuts out the confusion, overwhelm and gives you a system that is proven so you don't have to figure it out on your own.

Conclusion

Movement culture is more than a fitness philosophy—it’s a way of life. By integrating the principles of the MAPS system, you can create a sustainable practice that supports your physical and emotional well-being. Whether you’re exploring new movement styles, rediscovering play, or simply taking time to rest, remember that movement is for life.

Ready to start your journey? Explore my 16-week RESET program and discover how movement culture can transform your life.


Tags

animal flow, fitness over 50, strength over 50


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