How to Get Fit

An exercise psychologist debunks exercise myths.

Most people assume that professionals who promote exercise don’t have trouble overcoming their own daily barriers to doing it. But this is just another myth that I want to debunk.

Whenever an aspect of life changes, how ones fits in regular physical activity becomes a problem to solve.

My main form of aerobic exercise for the past many years has been walking for 30-60 minutes on most days of the week. After returning from living abroad recently, I have been challenged to accommodate a new schedule including new full time daycare and additional professional opportunities. Since returning, many days have passed without a walk as the busy hours have flown by.

The thing is, I have missed my walking and how it makes me feel. It’s part of my self-care routine. Walking not only improves my mood and thinking, it’s part of my identity and helps me know that I take “caring for ‘all of me’” very seriously. As someone who has the capacity to work to the extreme, I know how important rejuvenation and relaxation is for me. Besides, it’s what I preach, and I really believe in these principles of balance.

I haven’t figure out yet when and how to best fit in my walks (and weight lifting) but I’m experimenting with different options. Walking first thing in the morning, walking at the end of the day, walking to the gym to do my strength training, splitting my longer walk into two shorter walks, and walking as a family in the evening are all possibilities.

Because my brain is sharpest in the morning I may wind up walking more toward day’s end. But it’s too early to say. What I do know is that I won’t judge myself for being flexible in my approach, and doing less right now.

There are some people who are compulsive about and never deviate from their exercise regimen. And this works for them. My husband is an example. But I have found that most individuals can’t be successful over time with this strategy. In order to stay active, most of us need our physical activity to follow the ebbs and flows of our daily lives. If moving our bodies nurtures instead of depletes us we should feel a natural desire to fit in physical activity after the busy times end.