This article summarises the role of exercise and tips on how to have a healthy relationship with exercise.
Being able to commit and sustain a regular exercise routine requires you to first make the commitment to yourself and your wellbeing.
Sustainable exercise needs to be simple and enjoyable, and not something you dread doing. If this is happening then it's time to check in with your body and ask yourself what type of exercise supports me right now? Be it walking, swimming, going to the gym or doing some type of exercise class.
There are so many fun ways to exercise, be it on our own or with friends or family members. Once we realise not only the benefits on a physical level, but also how exercise can make us feel, it becomes something we want to make time for.
If this hasn't been your experience so far with exercise, that's okay as well. Perhaps start with exploring some different options and speak with friends or colleagues who you know do enjoy regular exercise about their experience. A little inspiration never hurt anyone!
What holds you back when it comes to exercise?
- The time factor
- Guilt (for taking the time to exercise)
- Cost
- Too tired
- Too busy
If you have one (or more) of these factors holding you back from exercise then now's the opportunity to address them. Talk to your partner or friends about what it is exactly you need to bring regular exercise (back) into your life and why?
Often when we look ahead to the positive benefits something in our lives offers us, as in the case of exercise, it gives us the motivation to address what's in the way with more honesty. If it's an issue of time for example, what other responsibilities in your day could you modify or re-prioritise? Or is there an opportunity to wake 30 minutes earlier for exercise to be included in your day?
No matter the roadblock, in most cases, even the smallest amount of inspiration will go a long way.
Tips to support a healthy relationship with exercise
- Make your body the priority – this is responsible self-care – there is nothing indulgent about this.
- Commit to making exercise a priority for you. Allocate in your diary space/time each week to exercise just as you do meetings or appointments.
- Embrace the health benefits – physical and mental – exercise should be done in a way that creates space and fluidity in our bodies, which will translate into our day.
- Embrace that you are a role model for your children and other family members and they see and learn from you and the way you live every day.
- See regular exercise for your body like you would see servicing your car - without regular care and attention, it leads to problems down the track.
- Value your wellbeing and your time – if you don’t value your relationship with exercise and what it offers your body, then it is easy to let it slip out of your rhythm.