PODCAST

5 Ways to Transform Exercise into Self-Care, Not Punishment.

yoga

June 20, 2024

HI! I’m Miranda.
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Exercise often conjures images of regimented routines, sweaty gyms, and the relentless pursuit of weight loss. However, what if exercise could be something you genuinely look forward to, a part of your day that brings joy and fulfillment? On this week’s Positive Nutrition Podcast I explore ways to reframe exercise as an act of self-care rather than punishment.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose a form of exercise that you genuinely enjoy.
  • Listen to your body and adapt your exercise routine to suit your daily energy levels.
  • Focus on how exercise makes you feel, not just how it impacts your appearance.

Choosing a Form of Exercise You Enjoy

The first and perhaps most crucial step in transforming your attitude toward exercise is choosing a type that you enjoy.

Finding Your Ideal Workout

Exercise does NOT need to take place in a gym!

If you’re struggling to think of a form of exericse you enjoy, think back to what kind of movement you enjoyed in childhood, perhaps that would still feel fun?

The key is to find something that naturally appeals to you, making it more likely you’ll stick with it.

Listening to Your Body

Once you’ve identified enjoyable forms of exercise, the next step is to listen to your body. This means being attuned to your physical and emotional state on any given day and adapting your activity accordingly.

Adapting to Daily Variations

Move in a way that feels right for you on that day. Some days it’s not going to be suitable to do an intense workout. Some days it’s going to be really slow and really gentle.

Remember, this is an act of self-care. What would help you to feel better?

How Exercise Makes You Feel

A profound shift in perspective occurs when you start viewing exercise not just as a tool for weight loss but as a way to improve how you feel.

Don’t think of exercise in terms of how it makes you look, but think of it in terms of how it makes you feel.

Emotional and Physical Benefits

Exercise goes beyond physical benefits; it can also be a powerful emotional outlet. By moving your body, you can release pent-up energy and emotions. Emotion means energy in motion, and when we move our bodies we help to release stuck feelings.

Moreover, focusing on the feel-good factor of exercise can lead to more consistent engagement. We feel so much better after we’ve moved our bodies. It’s about finding the joy in the process rather than just the end result.

Sustainable and Balanced Routines

Avoiding an all-or-nothing mentality is vital for long-term success in any fitness routine.

Building Consistency

I recommend aiming for 30 minutes of movement a day, this can come in any way, shape or form that you want to.

This flexibility ensures that exercise remains a positive and manageable part of your daily life. Whether it’s a walk, a yoga class, or strength training, consistency over intensity is the goal.

Sticking to this consistency without rigidity allows room for adjustments based on daily realities.

Exercise as a Reward, Not Punishment

Ultimately, exercise should never feel like a punishment. If it feels like punishment, you’re doing it wrong. Instead, it should be something that you look forward to, an activity that enhances your well-being.

The Rewarding Nature of Challenges

Challenging yourself in your exercise routine can be immensely rewarding. However, the motivation should stem from a desire to experience your strength and resilience, not from a place of self-criticism. I’m not punishing myself when I do a hard workout… I’m showing myself what I’m capable of. This mindset turns challenges into opportunities for self-discovery and growth.

Pushing through a tough workout can provide a profound sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Exercise should be a source of joy and self-care rather than a means of punishment or merely a weight loss tool. By choosing activities you enjoy, listening to your body’s needs, focusing on how exercise makes you feel, aiming for consistency rather than perfection, and viewing challenges as opportunities, you can transform your relationship with exercise into a fulfilling and rewarding aspect of your life.

Links mentioned:

  • My signature programme: Done With Diets (50% off during June). Learn how to be a truly healthy eater, free from restriction and deprivation.
  • Join me on Instagram.
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