Let us start with some word association! What comes to mind when you hear the word “exercise”?
Do you think of sweating in a crowded gym? A strict weight loss plan? Or maybe guilt and pressure when you skip a workout? If you had apprehension or anxious thoughts when reading these words, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, many of us have an “all or nothing” perception of fitness. In a world of social media highlight reels, fitness has become more pressure filled than joyful. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Let’s discuss reframing these concepts and tearing down the walls of exercise anxiety.
Plato Was on to Something
Let’s rewind to a simpler era – when Greek Philosiphers valued exercise not for aesthetics, but for well-being. Everyone’s favorite philosopher Plato once wrote:
“In order for man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together. With these two means, man can attain perfection.”
Let’s highlight how spot on this guy was. Do you think Plato would be apprehensive during our game of word association? No! because when he was around, physical activity was natural. It was strolling through the countryside, riding a horse, and swimming in the nearest pond. Folks in simpler times embraced physical activity because they did things they enjoyed, without a hint of apprehension.
Beyond the joy of their activity, they reaped the physiological benefits of elevating their heart rate.
It’s not just philosophy, it’s science
One of my favorite books (I have two copies at the gym you can check out anytime) Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John Ratey tells the story of a struggling high school in Naperville, Illinois. Instead of prescribing more tutoring or discipline, they implemented a revolutionary idea: start the day with exercise.
Students who participated in early morning fitness block saw dramatic improvements—not just in physical health, but in their academic performance. In fact, they scored among the top in the WORLD in science and math on international exams. Exercise didn’t just make them stronger. It made them sharper, calmer, and more resilient.
Find what moves you
I think it’s time we mentally reintroduce exercise. Moving forward, let’s avoid the extremes modern society presents as physical activity. Without consideration of calories burned, or suggestions from the fitness models, or goals of weight loss. Let’s attempt to find physical activity we enjoy, and call that fitness. Ultimately, starting the journey to total wellness is easiest when it’s fun.
So sit down and think of activities you enjoy doing. Think of ways you can make those activities more enjoyable. Adding or changing the style of music? Establishing a simple reward system? Reframing exercises into a game? The creative opportunities are boundless!
It doesn’t have to be extreme
Still not convinced movement can change your life? Dr. Ratey also shares the story of a woman with severe anxiety and depression who found traditional therapy wasn’t enough. Her turning point? Daily jogging. Within weeks, her mood lifted. She regained energy, slept better, and felt emotionally grounded for the first time in years.
Her story mirrors what many people experience once they reframe exercise not as punishment or pressure—but as medicine for the mind and joy for the body.
Often the difficult part is finding your activity niche. Lucky for you, that’s what we are here for. Reach out and let’s find ways to reintroduce exercise and get you moving toward a happier, healthier version of YOU.
Want help designing your fitness journey? Let’s chat!
