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 here!
Review the statements below. Which match your experience over the past month, or any recent period of consistent exercise?
This isn’t a scorecard and 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. That’s to be expected! As always, take only what feels useful to you and forget the rest.
On a separate sheet of paper or in your phone, read each statement and label whether it applies to you “rarely, often, or never.”
Outlook and Motivation: I come to my exercise sessions knowing and appreciating their value in my life. I’ve found tools or support systems that help me start, or return to exercise/movement that is sustainable for my long-term wellbeing and emotional resilience.
Self-Acceptance: I have an appreciation for my unique strengths. I practice healthy coping skills in the face of adversity and self-comparison. I adapt my exercise routine when my body is not meeting expectations or scheduled activities.
Community Focus: My workout peers value growth and community support. I take action to contribute to my community, in ways that realistically suit my financial means & energy levels, by volunteering, teaching, donating, etc. This can even look like: texting an accountability partner, sharing a kind comment online, etc.
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 (like bloodwork & relevant tests through a trusted physician) and my own lived experience, not 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.
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. As a launching point, I’d recommend a brief online search into athletic/life role models like Olympians Ilona Maher & Simone Biles, Alysa Liu, or the ultra runner Callie Vinson. You might also explore 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.
Take your own next best step forward.
