What is the first thing you think of when it comes to exercise?
Punishing? Boring? Calorie burning? No pain, no gain?
That’s what I used to think too.
For years, I believed that only hard exercise “counted”. I thought that if it wasn’t painful and gruelling, that it didn’t work, and that there was no point in doing it.
It was only during my recovery that I learnt that this is a complete and utter fitness myth. The truth is, exercise shouldn’t be hard work or punishable, it should be about feeling good and being present in our body. More importantly, all forms of regular movement, no matter what it is, is just as beneficial for our health. And even more so if it’s something that we actually enjoy doing!
And now I only exercise in a way that I enjoy, and as a tool for self-care and my mental health.
It did take me a while to get to this place, but just knowing that I didn’t have to push my body so hard anymore, made a huge difference to my relationship with exercise. It meant I could choose to walk, or go rollerblading, or dancing, rather than doing that more intense workout that I actually hated.
And that’s why I want you to know that exercise doesn’t have to be hard or painful for it to “count”, it can be gentle and enjoyable too. And most importantly, it can be anything you want it to be!
I encourage you to switch up one of your workouts to something that you want to do, not that you think you should do! And to choose something that you enjoy too! Notice if your mindset towards exercise shifts.
This one step can really go a long way ❤️
If you need some inspiration, then here are 10 fun exercise ideas for you to try.
Go for a nature walk or hike.
Put on your favourite music at home and dance around.
Go for a bike ride around your local park or bike track.
Go shopping!
Go out dancing.
Take a walking tour of your city or area. Create your own or join a tour. It is a great way to get to know your neighbourhood.
Try something new such as horse riding, indoor rock climbing, a yoga class or rollerblading.
Go scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking or paddle boarding.
Sign up for a fun obstacle course, or fun run with family or friends.
Have a fun active date with friends or family. Go trampolining, bike riding or roller blading.
P.S My book Be You Be Free will not only help you find food freedom, body peace and joyful exercise, but it will also assist you in creating your own version of wellbeing so that you can take care of yourself in the best way that works for you. It will help you feel alive, it will help you feel connected, but mostly, it will help you uncover the person that you were meant to be before the world and diet culture told you who you had to be.