Want to start exercising more consistently? Feel overwhelmed by all the advice around what type of exercise you should be doing? Want to make exercise more enjoyable?
Exercising consistently isn’t about finding someone to push you harder at the gym. It’s about discovering your own strength and motivation.
At age 24, Turia Pitt‘s life was drastically changed. She was competing in a 100km ultra-marathon in the Australian outback and encountered an out-of-control grassfire. Turia was trapped by the flames and suffered burns to 65% of her body.
She survived against the overwhelming odds, undergoing over 200 medical procedures and has gone on to rebuild an extraordinary life. She has written three best-selling books, given birth to 2 babies, has coached thousands of people to lead happier lives through the Run with Turia program.
In this blog, we’ll be sharing 6 inspiring tips from the extraordinary Turia Pitt to help you exercise more consistently and embrace the joy of movement in your life.
1. Schedule in fun
Choose to move in ways that turn an okay day into a great one.
Life is busy with all the rushing around – taking care of the kids, cooking, working, and keeping everything tidy. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget to take a little time for yourself. But remember, recharging your batteries isn’t just about hitting the gym. It’s about finding joy in your activities.
So, here’s a thought: why not pick activities that not only get you moving but also get you excited? Imagine swapping out “Ugh, I have to go to the gym and do a boring workout” with “I get to dance to my favourite ’90s hit in my living room.”
When something brings you joy, it’s easier and more fun to keep doing.
2. Turn it into a coping strategy
Stress is part of life. From unexpected bills to family dramas, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And let’s be honest, it’s not going anywhere. But here’s an idea: what if we used movement not just as exercise, but as our secret weapon against stress? Instead of letting stress hold you back, why not flip the script?
Use movement as your personal escape hatch. Whether it’s taking a brisk walk, going to a yoga session, or even stretching out during your favourite Netflix show, make moving your go-to method for clearing out the mental clutter.
Start exercising with a focus on your mental health first, and physical health second.
3. Get groovy with it
If you go to the gym and find that you hate it – consider it a win. You saved yourself time, energy and money by choosing not to continue doing something you don’t enjoy. Instead of forcing yourself to do it- try something else. If you don’t know what you like, see this as an exciting opportunity to try new things.
Truth is, there really is a fitness style out there for everyone. You may just not have even thought of it yet. So, try ALL the things until you find something you like. And remember, the best form of exercise is one you can actually stick to.
Life’s too short to stick with workouts that feel like torture. This is your permission slip to explore everything. From water aerobics to trapeze classes, until you find what makes your heart race with excitement, not dread.
4. Wear a cute outfit
Never underestimate the power of a great workout outfit. If you’re excited to wear it, you’ll be more excited to exercise. It’s like magic, but better because you look and feel amazing.
So please – get clothes that make you feel good. And ones that actually fit you.
5. Lower the bar
The biggest fun-sponge? Thinking you have to go all in or it’s not worth it. Let’s ditch this mindset. Some days you might just stretch, other days you’ll run 10km’s or hit a PB at the gym. Both are wins.
Keep in mind, things like your menstrual cycle can affect your strength, energy, and mood. Listen to your body and take it easy when you need to. Once you put less pressure on yourself to always hit your fitness goals, you will find ease in finding enjoyable movement.
Walked for only ten minutes? That’s ten minutes more than nothing. By lowering the stakes, you turn exercise from a dreaded chore into a fun part of your everyday life.
6. Give it 5 minutes
Always relying on motivation to get you going is a bit like relying on your cat to wake you up for an important meeting. It might happen, but it probably won’t.
On the days your motivation is low, say to yourself; “I’ll just go and give it 5 minutes”. If after 5 minutes, you still really don’t feel like exercising- go home and relax.
Often, just getting started is enough to build momentum. Usually what happens, is our body releases endorphins when we start to exercise. These endorphins make you feel good, and give your body that natural boost to want to keep going. But this might not always be the case. Some days, you might feel tired and not want to exercise. And that’s ok! Give it 5 minutes and if you really don’t feel like continuing- don’t.
And lastly, remember: Consistent exercise isn’t about perfect performance- it’s about moving your body and enjoying it.
