Just Press Play: Why the “Kitchen” Works So Well
During yesterday’s Mojo class, something unexpected happened — and it turned into a perfect reminder of why presence over perfection matters so much in movement and in life.
I was introducing a new upper-body routine set to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. We were having so much fun with it… until the music randomly cut out.
It was the first time most of us had seen the routine, but the song was so familiar that no one missed a beat.
It was the first time most of us had seen the routine, but the song was so familiar that no one missed a beat. Everyone started singing it instead. We kept dancing (and giggling). It became another mini Mojo-ment that added an extra sparkle to our day.
It was a brief moment, but the lesson was clear. When we embrace imperfect moments, the outcome can be even better than when everything goes exactly as planned. This is where the eggnog of life exists — spontaneity at its best. We don’t fix it. We don’t force it. We lean into it and surf the wave.
Presence over perfection.
Believe it or not, this is a small but powerful example of how we build our resilience muscle. Life’s challenges don’t always arrive in big, dramatic ways. More often, they show up quietly. Resilience is about staying in motion, no matter what.
In honor of the moment, I have posted the the routine, glitch and all, to our Mojo Online website under “Arms and Upper Body” routines. I am uploading the whole class, and it will be available soon! If you wanna join along, press this link for a free 7 day trial…
The Benefits of a 4 Minute “Pow Break”
Something I don’t share often enough is the power of dancing in the kitchen — those spontaneous moments when a great song comes on and we just have to move.
These moments matter more than we think.
The Benefits of a 4-Minute “Pow Break”
Something I don’t share often enough with our community is the power of “dancing in the kitchen”. Those moments when we hear a great song and we have to spontaneously dance-it-OUT. These are golden opportunities we need to normalize. You can use Mojo Online for elbow grease to get the party started, but simply moving with intention to a fave song is a wonderful way to recalibrate, reboot and DESTRESS.
The Science…
🧠 A Brain Reset
Mini dance moments activate our brain’s executive control networks, pulling us out of rumination and into the present moment. Add singing, and our brain regions lights up like a Christmas tree!
❤️ Heart-Happy Energy
Short bursts of moderate-to-vigorous movement improve blood flow and heart-rate variability — a marker of resilience and adaptability. Our hearts don’t need hours. Energy spurts go a long way.
🔥 A Metabolic Wake-Up Call
Sudden movement changes activate hormones that support fat metabolism and glucose uptake. These bursts help reawaken our mitochondria — especially when we’ve been sitting or slowing down.
💪 Arms + Rhythm = Functional Strength
Our upperbody routines aren’t just about toning. Repetitive rhythmic arm movements improve muscular endurance, circulation, and lymphatic flow, all while reinforcing our brain-body connection.
🧬 Joy Is Real Chemistry
Joyful movement boosts dopamine, serotonin, and BDNF — a key driver of neuroplasticity. Translation: we’re not just lifting mood; we’re making our brains more agile.
Why the Kitchen Works So Well (Especially at Christmas)
The kitchen (basement or family room) isn’t a studio.
There’s no drive. No gear. No pressure.
Just press play.
It’s familiar — the heart of the house.
It’s where memories are already baked in.
Moving in spaces we love lowers stress and makes everything feel lighter, looser.
And during the holidays?
When family or friends wander in, a 4-minute pow-wow can turn into laughter, spontaneous dancing, and shared joy — a tiny, imperfect, keepsake moment you didn’t even plan.
No mirrors.
Just movement, connection, and a little holiday magic. 💜
The Takeaway…Presence beats perfection – every time.
So turn up Mariah.
Shake your “snow globe” and let it Go Ho Ho!!
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