How to deepen exercise satisfaction or tolerability.
Is your current exercise routine truly improving your well-being, including your body, your mood, mind, and relationships? You’re invited to take a closer look!
Review the statements below. Which match your experience over the past month, or during any recent period of consistent exercise?
There are no right or wrong answers. We're simply gathering information to see where some growth may be possible, or of interest to you. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and some statements may not align with your personal exercise goals and values. That’s to be expected! As always, take only what feels useful to you and forget the rest.
For each statement, simply notice whether it feels true for you rarely, often, or never. There’s no score to calculate. The goal is simply to notice what stands out.
Outlook and Motivation: I’ve found tools or support systems that help me start, and return, to exercise or movement in a way that feels sustainable for me long-term.
Self-Acceptance: I adapt my exercise routine when my body isn’t meeting expectations or when scheduled activities don’t feel right.
Community: My workout community feels uplifting and values growth and mutual support. I contribute to my community in ways that realistically suit my financial means and energy levels, whether through volunteering, teaching, donating, texting an accountability partner, or sharing a kind comment online.
Social Connection: My workout routine supports & enhances quality time with others, or gives me energy to connect with others outside of exercise. I do not feel trapped or depleted by my exercise routine.
Representation and Diversity: I follow athletes, coaches, and/or influencers who promote body diversity and don’t focus on weight, BMI, comparison, or appearance as primary indicators of health & fitness.
Intrinsic Health: I measure my health through internal indicators, such as relevant bloodwork or other tests discussed with a trusted physician, as well as through my own lived experience, rather than external appearance or judgments from others.
Comfort in Clothing: I wear workout attire that makes me feel strong, relaxed and expressive. My workout environment feels sensory-safe and comfortable to me.
Rest and Recovery: I feel confident taking rest days & understand their importance in my overall fitness.
Motivation Strategies: I can manage dips in exercise motivation, and handle setbacks with kindness and patience.
Self-Expression: I view exercise as meaningful self-expression rather than something I need to do to control my body or to fit in.
We all have opportunities for small shifts that lead to growth and more satisfaction.
What might you try next?
If you’re feeling depleted by the weight lifting class you’ve been taking at the gym, and you’re drawn to a dance class, consider swapping classes!
Perhaps that cute sports bra is feeling tight and it’s time to invest in a new piece of exercise gear that suits your style and movement needs.
You may want to explore athletic content that’s relevant to your lived experience or is inspiring to you. Are there any new communities, either online or locally, that emphasize personal-growth through the process of movement/exercise, over fixating on appearance goals.
Consider revisiting this check-in every few weeks or months. You might notice shifts in what could bring more enjoyment or value in your current exercise routine, or clarity about what’s no longer working.
You’ve got this!
