exercise

Messy Progress

Messy Progress

Most people find that accomplishing goals is satisfying and that life has greater meaning and purpose when we’re checking things off. Why wouldn’t we? Accomplishing goals helps us move toward our values. Overcoming obstacles gives us a sense of pride in ourselves and our ability to do hard things. However, if you’re anything like me, sometimes the process can become more important than accomplishing the actual goal. We get caught up in everything surrounding the goal and lose track of the “doing” part. Let me explain.

Finding Motivation to Exercise

Finding Motivation to Exercise

What motivates you to exercise? Is it the need to obtain a certain body image? Or your desire to counterbalance the deliciously fatty hamburger you ate last weekend? Maybe you feel absolutely no motivation to exercise, and nothing on this earth could propel you to choose to hit the gym. I’ve been there. What if you knew that exercise could benefit not only your physical body, but your mind and soul as well? Exercise has been proven to benefit mental wellbeing as well as physical health (Anderson & Durstine, 2019; Ohrnberger et al., 2017). Would that knowledge change how you approach (or avoid) exercise in your life?

Body Appreciation

Body Appreciation

Our bodies are a precious gift that we only get one of. With this knowledge, why is it so difficult to be satisfied with our bodies? Body satisfaction through weight loss is the motivation for many people when they begin an exercise routine. If we head to the gym daily simply to fit into our favorite jeans or be ready for the beach this summer, will we have the same positive effects of body appreciation and happiness?

Your Workout Buddy Is Your Best Friend

Your Workout Buddy Is Your Best Friend

Why can implementing regular exercise be so difficult? Because exercise is hard work. It can be inconvenient in our busy schedules and make us sore or uncomfortable. These are realities that stop us from following through with regular exercise. So, what can help us break these barriers? I found that working out with a partner adds an element of fun and enjoyment.