Show Notes
In this episode, we’re exploring a topic that might surprise you: the benefits of taking a break from exercise. Yes, you heard it right! We’re diving into why pausing your workout routine can be a game-changer in repairing your relationship with movement.
We discuss the importance of listening to your body and tuning into your own “movement cravings”. As a result, you’ll discover your unique “why” for exercise which will catapult your motivation to unprecedented levels.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why taking a break from exercise isn’t about giving up, but rather about creating a more balanced, sustainable, and enjoyable fitness routine. So, tune in and let’s redefine what exercise means to you!
About the Host
Kim Hagle (she/her) is Certified Personal Trainer, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Body Image Coach and founder of Radiant Vitality Wellness.
Through mindset and movement coaching she helps women heal their relationship with food and exercise while disconnecting their worth from their weight, so they can feel healthy, happy and confident in the body they have.
Want to feel good in your body without focusing on weight? Register for our 5 day mini training course. “How to Feel Great IN and ABOUT Your Body; no matter what the scale says”. For just $27, you’ll receive one short video and worksheet each day for 5 days that will help get started with the non-diet approach and feeling better in and about your body.
Ready to take the next step? Visit our website to learn more about our coaching programs
Let’s stay in touch! Kim is on Instagram and Facebook @radiantvitalitywellness.
Disclaimer. The information contained in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a health care professional about your unique needs.
Read the Transcript Here
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Summary
Welcome back to the Power and Motion podcast. Today, we’re diving into a topic that might seem counterintuitive to many fitness enthusiasts: the benefits of taking a break from exercise.
Why Consider a Break from Exercise?
The idea of intentionally pausing your workout routine might sound strange, especially in a culture that often equates fitness with relentless training. However, this isn’t about giving up on exercise forever. Movement matters. Humans need movement. You need to move. And you will, again, I promise.
This is about an intentional pause. A time to reevaluate your relationship with movement, change how you think about exercise, and reconnect with your body’s internal cravings for movement.
The Power of a Full Stop
In a recent episode with Liz Thogerson, a weight-neutral style consultant, we discussed the concept of taking a full stop from exercise. This is a strategy I’ve recommended to clients and even implemented myself.
So, why would I suggest a full stop with exercise? What does that look like, and how can you make the most of this time?
When to Consider a Full Exercise Stop
There are several situations where taking a full stop from exercise might be beneficial. These can include:
- Using Exercise to Burn Calories or Earn Food: If your primary motivation for exercising is to burn calories or “earn” the right to eat certain foods, it might be time to reconsider your relationship with exercise. Exercise should be about more than just calorie expenditure.
- Exercising for Aesthetic Benefits Only: If you’re working out solely for the aesthetic benefits, such as trying to achieve a certain body shape or size, this could be a sign that you need to take a break. Exercise should also be about improving your health and well-being, not just your appearance.
- Feeling Obligated to Work Out: If you feel like you have to work out, rather than wanting to, this could indicate that you’re not enjoying your exercise routine. Exercise should be something you look forward to, not something you dread.
- Struggling with Motivation: If you consistently struggle with motivation to exercise and have to rely on willpower or rewards to get going, this could be a sign that you need a break. Exercise should be a natural part of your lifestyle, not something you have to force yourself to do.
- Choosing Workouts Based on Calorie Burn: If you choose your activity or workout of the day based on how many calories it burns or how it might make you look, it might be time to take a break. Exercise should be about more than just burning calories or achieving a certain look.
- Ignoring Your Body’s Signals: If you work out intensely, no matter how you feel, because you need to burn the calories or you need to show up, this could be a sign that you’re not listening to your body’s needs. Exercise should be about tuning into your body and responding to its signals.
The Process of Taking a Break from Exercise: A Deeper Dive
Embarking on a journey to pause your regular exercise routine is not a decision to be taken lightly. It’s a process that requires commitment, a shift in mindset, and a deep connection with your body. Here’s a more detailed look at each step:
Step 1: Make a Commitment
The first step in this process is to make a commitment to yourself. This commitment isn’t about abandoning exercise altogether, but rather about reframing your relationship with it.
If the only reason you’re engaging in an activity is to burn calories or shape your body, it might be time to reconsider. Instead, focus on activities that feed your soul and make you feel good. This could be anything from a walk in nature to a calming yoga session. The goal is to listen to your body and do what feels right for you, without worrying about whether you’re doing enough.
Step 2: Reframe Your Mindset About Exercise
The second step is to challenge and change the way you think about exercise. We’ve been conditioned to believe that exercise needs to take place in a gym, that it needs to be intense, and that it needs to result in sweat or soreness to count. But this isn’t necessarily the case.
Exercise can take many forms, and they’re all beneficial in their own ways. A short walk outside can boost your mood and clear your mind. Ten minutes of stretching can relieve muscle tension and improve your flexibility.
During this step, it’s important to write down your current beliefs about exercise. Identify any all-or-nothing thinking or beliefs rooted in the idea that the main point of exercise is to lose weight or shape your body. Then, start to challenge these beliefs and think about how even small amounts of movement can benefit you.
Step 3: Tune Into Your Body
The third step is to tune into your body and its internal movement cravings. During this period of reduced activity, use this time to really feel your body and notice all the ways it asks for movement.
This process is similar to intuitive eating, where you reconnect with your hunger and fullness cues. By regularly checking in with your body and asking what it needs, you can start to meet those needs, whether it’s a short walk, a stretch, or even just a shift in your sitting position.
Over time, you’ll start to build trust with your body and understand its signals. You’ll begin to notice that your body will start asking for more intense or different types of movement. This is a sign that you’re ready to re-engage with more structured workouts.
Remember, this process is unique to everyone. It’s about finding what works best for you and your body. It’s not about judgment, but about understanding and respect for your body’s needs and signals.
My Personal Journey: A Closer Look
When I first embarked on this journey of taking a break from exercise, it was a leap into the unknown. I had to navigate through a process that was unfamiliar and, at times, challenging. But it was also a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Initially, I found myself engaging in activities that felt good to my body and soul, like walking in nature and practicing yoga. These activities helped clear my mind and prevented me from feeling stiff and sore. I also continued to teach fitness classes, but my focus shifted more towards coaching and less on participating.
During this time, I made a conscious effort not to worry about whether I was doing enough. Instead, I focused on listening to my body and responding to its needs. This was a significant shift from my previous approach to exercise, which was more rigid and less intuitive.
As I progressed through this journey, I noticed changes in my body and my mindset. I started to feel achy, and simple activities left me out of breath. My strength and stamina decreased, and I experienced more back pain. Yes, I got out of shape and gained some weight, but I chose not to judge myself harshly for these changes.
Instead, I saw these changes as signals from my body. They were clear indications that my body was craving more intentional, consistent, and intense training. This realization was a turning point in my journey. It was when I knew I was ready to return to structured, intentional workouts.
The Results: What to Expect from Taking a Break
The results of taking a break from exercise can vary greatly from person to person. However, one common outcome is a deeper understanding of your body and its needs.
By taking a break, you give your body a chance to communicate with you. You’ll start to notice when it craves movement and when it needs rest. This newfound awareness can lead to a more balanced and sustainable approach to exercise.
Another potential outcome is a shift in your motivation for exercise. Instead of exercising to burn calories or shape your body, you might find yourself exercising because it feels good and improves your overall well-being.
Taking a break from exercise can also lead to a more flexible approach to fitness. You’ll realize that there are many ways to move your body, and not all of them involve a gym or intense workouts. This can make exercise more enjoyable and less of a chore.
Finally, taking a break from exercise can lead to a more consistent and peaceful routine. You’ll stop worrying about whether you’re doing enough or doing it right. Instead, you’ll trust your body and respond to its needs. This can lead to a more consistent and enjoyable exercise routine.
Conclusion
Taking a full stop, changing your mindset about exercise, and tuning into your movement cravings opens the door for your body to let you know how and why it wants to move.
I hope that you found this helpful today and that what I’ve shared here helps you think differently about yourself if you’re in a period of inactivity or gives you the permission you might need to take that break.
If you’re stuck somewhere in this process, or if you want to start the process, but you need support, just reach out via email or social media, and we can talk about how coaching could help you. I will see you on the next episode.
