Exercise is too often framed as punishment. Maybe you’ve had a coach make you run laps for not listening. Or maybe it was you, forcing yourself to work out to burn off calories you didn’t think you deserved.
If you can relate or have had another experience where you moved your body out of obligation or guilt, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for any feelings of inadequacy you felt or any negative feelings you had toward movement as a whole. I’m also sorry that these experiences may have caused you to miss out on all of the incredible benefits exercise has to offer and lessened the desire to let movement be a part of your chosen routine.
Any previous negative or neutral experiences with exercise don’t have to shape your current attitudes.
When our attitude changes from a posture of guilt to a posture of gratitude, we are more likely to practice forms of exercise that we actually enjoy and will stick to. From here on out, I invite you to let exercise be a response to the way your body craves to move, an outlet of creativity and a celebration of what your body is capable of.
What kind of movement does your body crave?
My body craves climbing, slacklining, hiking and other activities that make me feel more connected to my community and to nature. Not everyone craves the same type of movement that I do, and that’s perfectly okay!
Rather than trying to convince everyone I know to engage in the activities I love, the most helpful response is to encourage the people around me to seek out activities that bring them joy and satisfaction.
Take some time to reflect on the activities you have truly enjoyed in the past and ones you are eager to try in the future. Maybe you love how graceful and light you feel swimming laps in the pool, or maybe you love how strong and confident you feel lifting weights in the gym. No matter your choices, try to find ways to honor your body by engaging in the types of movements you find most joy in.
How can you get creative with movement?
Once you figure out the types of movements your body craves, you can start to get creative with the way you go about these workouts. Whether you have been working out for a while or are interested in welcoming movement into your life for the first time, finding ways to be more creative and resourceful with your workouts can bring the excitement back into activity.
You might start to see the world as both your gym and your playground. That low-hanging branch on the way to class can be the perfect pull-up bar, the bike racks outside of your home are a great spot for dips, and your roommates old skateboard can provide endless ab workout possibilities. Taking a walk with a friend might be just what you need – you can share what’s on your mind, and blow off some steam.
How will you celebrate what your body can do?
A lot of us have less than perfect relationships with our bodies. It’s so easy to look in the mirror and be so focused on what’s on the outside and our perceived flaws, that we discount all we have to be thankful for and proud of.
Our bodies are pretty amazing! Your body in particular, is pretty amazing. Our body systems that simply allow us to survive are so intricate and wonderful. And the fact that a lot of us have the ability to use our bodies to run, jump, dance, lift heavy objects, set new records, explore new places… incredible! Not everyone has the same athletic abilities.
Your level of activity may look different than the people around you. No matter your level of functionality, every chance you get to be active is an opportunity to celebrate what your body can do. Chances are, you normally don’t celebrate by doing things you hate, so, celebrate your body by working out in ways you love! If you’re ready to ditch the guilt and obligation and bring the joy and motivation back into exercise, here are some ideas that might help:
- Turn on some up-beat music while you exercise.
- Invite your friends to workout with you.
- Find an outdoor space to workout, like the courtyard in the health and learning center.
- Go on a hike or walk in nature.
- Find ways to utilize non-conventional workout equipment like skateboards, tree branches, and local parks.
- Try a fun FIT class like Zumba, pilates of boxing.
- Download a fitness app or follow along with workout videos on YouTube.
- Never forget that you are worthy and important no matter your BMI, muscle mass, body fat percentage, or hours logged at the gym.
