You might be wondering, what does this have to do with exercise?
Diet culture has transformed exercise into something loaded for many of us.
For some, it recalls school-age torment for being larger or lacking in athletic ability.
Amanda Bailey / Getty Images
This created a cycle of low self-worth, making me believe I would never follow through with anything.
Remember how fun it was?
It was simple joy for us.
The key is finding that again.
If you relate, I am writing this article for you.
We cant really enjoy all the good things about exercise when we carry what I call fitness trauma.
Here are some ways of thinking or reframing that Ive found helpful.
Develop and write down your own fitness vision.
But it doesnt have to be that way.
you might create your own vision.
One thing Ive found helpful in doing so is analyzingwhat you want out of your fitness routine.
What values do you think of when you think of health and well-being?
How are you best motivated?
Start to develop your vision so you have a clear understanding of what works for you and what doesnt.
For many businesses, developing a mission statement helps keep them on brand.
It can do the same for you.
What isyourwellness mission and brand?
Reflect on what feels good and brings you joy.
We must enjoy the movement we are doingin order for it to be sustainable.
We cant haterunningand expect for it to stick.
Maybe you loved team sports.
I just joined a soccer team this year in my 40s!
Maybe you loved swimming.
A few years ago, I took adult swimming lessons to improve my stroke for a triathlon.
There is definitely a honeymoon period to most fitness routines, where its all sunshine and unicorns.
The idea is to stay consistent.
Think about what is motivating you to start.
Maybe you just want to feel good in the skin youre in.
What is it that drives you to move?
Understand that our bodies evolve.
We cant turn back time, no matter what Cher wishes.
Our bodies are evolving, expanding, shrinking, birthing, and aging, and that is okay.
Its unrealistic and unfair to ourselves.
Our bodies are amazing and deserve their due respect.
But these actionshavebeen helpful:
5.
You dont have to earn food with movementits not a nourishment reward system.
Its important tonot make weight loss the goalof starting or sticking with movement.
It can create a fleeting relationship with moving our bodies, and thats not what we want!
So take some time to reflect on the non-scale victories your exercise may bring.
Wins dont have to be drastic.
There are endless benefits to exercising that dont involve standing on a scale that may or may not move.
Identify your triggersand loop in a professional if you need one.
For some of us, improving our relationship with exercise means being very mindful of our thinking about moving.
For me, diet culture created punitive behaviors with exercise.
Then get to know what triggers them.
But most importantly, be kind to and patient with your evolving body.
Pay attention to what feels good and makes you want to keep coming back, again and again.
If you might achieve that, youre on your way to the golden ticket: sustainable, healthy movement.
See more from SELF’s Future of Fitness package here.
