I was always a sporadic worker outer. Even as a kid, you were much more likely to find me with my nose in a book than out playing sports or running.
Even early on, physical activity for exercise had to have a purpose. It was running, weight lifting, something so that the end goal was getting good at _____ activity.
I never considered the fact that I loved to roller skate, ride my bike, hike around in the country as acceptable forms of exercise.
One of the messages I internalized early on was that I was not an athlete. One season of 8th grade track really cemented that belief. I attempted shot put and discus, the two options I thought would require the least amount of running. Well they kinda did, but my heart was never in it. I happily went back to the band and let others be the athletes.
Flash forward to my adult years. I joined a gym, hired a personal trainer, and decided I was going to be skinny for the first time ever (still wasn’t an athlete and was not going to try).
I did get skinny. I still remember how fascinated I was with my new muscle definition. But as I would soon find out, and would be a running theme in my life, trying to keep that body would eventually do more harm than good.
What I learned from my experience was that exercise was transactional, a punishment, not always fun.
When the weight stopped dropping as fast, and the compliments slowed, it became harder and harder to find my why to work out. There wasn’t a point if it wasn’t going to make me feel and look “acceptable.”
On my journey to ditch diet culture and tune in to my own inner knowing, exercise has far and away been my biggest struggle. Which seems strange because it was probably the last thing I added but it is a struggle.
Maybe because the effects from exercise feel so immediate. You sweat, you get tired, you feel something and that something is usually good (hi, endorphins!). There is also a control with exercise that is difficult to relinquish. It can still look healthy, even if mentally it’s not.
What I am still doing is being patient with myself as I create a whole new relationship with exercise. Blurring the definition and expectations of how it means for me to physically move my body.
Here are 3 approaches I have used to help me bring more joy to my movement!
Approach #1: Get Curious
What physical activities do I enjoy? When I was a kid, what did I love to do? Do I want to stay inside, go outside, both? Do I want to include strength training or just cardio? Just because you have always done a certain form of exercise does not mean you need to stick to that. This is your permission slip to try something new.
There is no right or wrong answer, but getting curious and sitting and thinking about what, where and how you want to move your body is helpful.
Approach #2: Take Action
As much as I wish simply journaling something made it happen, action is required. Is there a YouTube video to help you get started? Does someone you follow on social media offer a class you might like *cough* sacred you studio yoga *cough*. Throw on your favorite song and dance!
Dust off the bike, the roller blades, the running shoes and do something! Make your plan easy. If it has been a bit since you took on a consistent routine take the time to build your endurance. Try 2 days a week and work up from there. Try any and all activities you want. You will find something that works!
Approach #3: Practice Kindness
This new approach may bring up new emotions and feelings. That’s okay. If it feels too overwhelming or feels like it has trailed into a more disordered territory, please find a license therapist to help.
If your previous activities have left you a big sweaty mess, unable to move, and your new activity doesn’t…that’s okay. Broaden your idea and definition of what constitutes exercise.
Sit with and write about the feelings that come up too. Exercise can be measure by more then just how much sweat we produced or just how wobbly our legs are.
Did the new activity make you happy? Did it allow you to do something enjoyable with your partner, kids, best friend? Do you feel rejuvenated and restored by it? Did it relax you? See there is more to exercise than just breaking a sweat. Allow movement to add something to your life, let it be fun again!
Also, if you have been working out constantly and are breaking into moving just for fun, you may feel a little rebellious and not want to do anything. Don’t panic. Sometimes we need the rest. Rest is good. Let your body, your mind and your spirit get a break. Eventually you will be ready to move your body in a way that honors you, respects you and that you enjoy. You deserve to move your body in any way you like and you deserve movement that is joyful!
Have more questions? Curious about creating your own personalized health journey? I am always up for a chat and currently taking on 1:1 clients! If you want the guidance and support to create a health plan you love, then set up your discovery call TODAY!
