Every morning, I have a staring contest with my gym shoes.
- Are you going for it?
- A run?
- A quick workout?
- What’s it going to be?
The shoes usually lose.
I’ll “postpone” my workout.
“Postpone = It doesn’t happen that day.”
And There’s a paradox here.
I love the post-workout feeling. And every time I exercise, I’m glad I did it. But it’sdifficult to get started each time. Often, I wish I didn’t have to exercise so much to stay healthy.
Let’s talk about why it’s hard to find the motivation.
The Challenge of a Reluctant Mover.
When it comes to the healthy lifestyle, there’s a group of people that often gets overlooked.
I call them “Reluctant Movers”.
These are the ones who know they should exercise regularly but struggle to find the motivation.
Now, we all know exercise makes you feel good.
There are many well-documented benefits of physical activity like:
- The endorphin rush,
- A sense of accomplishment,
- An improved mood
But for Reluctant Movers, they already know all that.
In fact, it annoys them to hear people talk about the benefits over and over again. (“You think I’ve never heard that before??”)
Why it’s Normal to be Reluctant about Exercise
Even if you’ve felt the good vibes from exercise before, it still doesn’t make it easier the next time.
There are several reasons to feel reluctant to exercise:
- Exercise takes Effort and Energy: Getting moving can be difficult when you’re tired, stressed, or busy.
- Exercise is Uncomfortable: Most especially when starting or increasing intensity.
- Exercise Takes Time: Finding time to exercise amidst work, family, and other commitments can be a challenge, making it easy to put off or skip workouts.
- Exercise is Psychological: Self-doubt, fear of failure, or feeling self-conscious can get in the way of exercise.
Even dedicated fitness enthusiasts also have lazy days.Reluctance is natural and doesn’t make you less committed to your health.
Some Quick Tips to Work Through It
The mistake most people make it to wait for the reluctance to go away.
(Spoiler alert: It’s here to stay.)
Instead, try and apply to strategies for you manage and work around the reluctance.
- Do Small Micro Workouts: Forget about that 1-hour gym session. Reluctant Movers need to take wins where they can. Remember, workout snacks have real benefits for health. (And of course, that’s why I made 5-Minute Movements)
- Embrace Discomfort: Instead of letting discomfort deter you, try to reframe it as a sign that you’re challenging your body and making progress. Embrace the idea that growth and improvement often lie just outside your comfort zone.
- Honor your feelings (especially after): If you feel tired and unmotivated, don’t dismiss those feelings (or label them as bad). It’s part of the process and temporary. On the flip side, if you are actually excited, energized, and feeling accomplished— enjoy it!
- Reframe from “But” to “And”: Instead of saying, “I want to exercise, but I’m too tired,” try saying, “I’m tired, and I’m still going to do a short workout.” This simple change in language acknowledges your feelings while still committing to action. It shifts your mindset from making excuses to finding solutions.
Remember, the journey to a more active lifestyle isn’t always linear.
There will be setbacks, low motivation, and self-doubt.
As reluctant movers, we’re all too familiar with the mental hurdles and logistical obstacles that can make exercise feel like an uphill battle. But here’s the thing: we don’t need to transform into fitness fanatics overnight.
Embrace the journey, be patient, and trust that every small step brings you closer to a healthier, happier you.