My typical day:
My typical day starts with waking up and reading, followed by some freelance writing, and then homeschooling my children. Despite sitting for most of the day, I don’t always feel like exercising as much as I should. According to the theory of intuitive movement, your body will communicate its needs to you. However, I often find that my mind is tired and distracted, leading me to ignore my body’s signals to move. Without my fitness watch reminding me to get up and move, I would likely have very few daily steps.
As a registered dietitian, I fully embrace the principles of intuitive eating and gentle movement. Gone are the days of forcing myself through intense workouts for the sole purpose of burning calories. I no longer feel guilty about skipping the gym, but I still find it challenging to motivate myself to exercise. Surprisingly, when I do manage to coax myself into movement, I often end up feeling more motivated to continue.
The saying “A body in motion stays in motion” resonates with me. Striking a balance between intuitive movement and pushing oneself can be tricky. To gain deeper insights into motivation and exercise, we reached out to mental health and intuitive movement specialists for their perspectives:
Are you high-energy or low-energy?
Energy levels play a significant role in one’s inclination towards physical activity. Some individuals are naturally high-energy, constantly moving from one task to another, while others are more laid back and content with minimal movement. Saba Harouni Lurie, LMFT, explains that our energy levels are influenced by various factors, including genetics, sleep, nutrition, mental health, and environmental influences.
For those with high energy levels, prioritizing movement comes more naturally, while individuals with lower energy levels may need to make a concerted effort. It’s important to start from a place of acceptance and understanding of one’s energy level to set realistic goals and expectations.
Motivation to exercise:
Despite being a mellow person, I recognize the importance of regular movement for my well-being, even though mustering the motivation to exercise can be a challenge. Alexis Hart, LMSW, notes that many individuals struggle to initiate movement despite a desire to be active. Motivation can stem from intrinsic or extrinsic sources.
Extrinsic motivation is driven by external factors, such as societal norms or pressure from others, while intrinsic motivation comes from within and is driven by personal enjoyment. Shifting from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation can lead to sustained interest and engagement in physical activity.
What is intuitive movement?
Intuitive movement involves listening to your body’s signals and engaging in activities that you genuinely enjoy. It is not about adhering to strict rules or focusing on metrics like calorie burn. The goal is to engage in movement that feels pleasurable and nourishing to your body, without pushing it beyond its limits.
By tuning into your body’s cues and engaging in activities that bring you joy, you can cultivate a positive relationship with movement and build self-trust. Gentle nudges towards movement, such as starting small, choosing fun activities, adding variety, and avoiding comparisons, can help you establish a sustainable and enjoyable exercise routine.
Remember, gentle movement is still exercise and can positively impact your physical and mental well-being. By embracing intuitive movement and prioritizing activities that align with your preferences and needs, you can cultivate a sustainable and fulfilling relationship with exercise.
