Want to stay motivated in your exercise routine? Trust your intuition

Nearly four years into the new normal and so many people still haven’t found their stride. The daily routines that we all used to rely on have never truly returned, not since we were flung into remote and hybrid work styles that vary from company to company and year to year. Trying to balance your home, work, and health in this environment is no easy task; it’s no wonder so many of us are struggling.

Prioritizing fitness has always been difficult, but now, with no real routine, achieving consistency and forming a habit is harder than ever. Nathalie Lacombe – fitness professional, educator, and workplace health and wellness expert – has noticed this trend in her clients.

“People choose rigid programs and try to stick with them, but the structure isn’t there,” says Lacombe. “When life inevitably takes over, they wonder what’s wrong with them. The fact is, it’s not their fault."

Lacombe says the key is to take a more flexible approach to exercise with fewer restrictions. All movement is good movement. We need to let go of the all-or-nothing attitude and stop thinking of intense workouts as the only valid exercise. Lacombe encourages people to incorporate activity into daily life where it makes sense and feels good.

“Going into the office 2-3 days a week simply to sit in a cubicle is benefitting no one. Our workplace ecosystems hinge on the happiness and wellness of the employees, and leadership should be supporting that. Encouraging stretching, walking meetings, and productivity breaks are all ways that a workplace can foster a sustainable environment that supports engagement, performance, and most importantly, your ability to live well.”

To support this, Lacombe advocates for intuitive movement, an approach that embraces personalization, practicality, and pleasure.

Intuitive movement encourages you to assess your needs based on your mood, energy levels, and busy schedule. An intuitive mover will choose what is best for them, whether they need to calm down, get energized, or just take a rest.

“If you’re feeling stressed out, maybe a boxing class is the right choice, but if you feel like you need to slow down and think, you might choose a walk-in nature. Being flexible and always focusing on what works for you is the best way to stay consistent in an inconsistent world.”

Nathalie Lacombe will share her ideas about intuitive movement and its role in building exercise adherence at GoodLife Fitness’ Virtual Wellness Day event on November 15, 2023. Early bird registration is available until October 27, 2023.