Finding Joy in Movement Again
By: Lisa Buchmiller
Whether you are an avid gym-goer, pickleball enthusiast, or yogi, we naturally gravitate toward activities we enjoy. But, like anything, there are times when we dread going to the gym, or perhaps we find ourselves more sore or achy after our sessions. So, what do we do when the activities that usually bring us joy are no longer enjoyable? First, take a moment to reflect on why. Here are some common reasons and quick tips on how to address them.
Dreading going to the activity: This is an interesting topic with my clients. Assuming their bodies are feeling good, I often find that it’s not the activity itself they dislike—they usually enjoy it once they’re there—but rather the activity combined with other daily challenges, whether it’s work, kids, or life stressors.
If possible, the first thing I suggest is looking at the timing of your activity. Maybe early-morning workouts used to work well for you, but lately, you haven’t been sleeping enough. Try exercising at a different time of day or on a different day of the week. This might require other adjustments as well—for example, turning one of your weekly gym sessions into an at-home workout in the afternoon. It doesn’t have to be permanent, but experimenting with timing can make a big difference.
When the body isn’t feeling good: Our bodies are constantly changing. If your workouts or activities are starting to feel strained or draining, first consider the overall arc of your training. Nutrition, cross-training, rest, recovery, and sleep are all important factors. However, sometimes our bodies simply crave different movement patterns or challenges—both physically and mentally. It’s okay to take a break and try something different! Love running outdoors? Maybe try hiking. Enjoy yoga? Maybe try Pilates. Small changes like these can reinvigorate your routine.
Boredom: Do you find your mind wandering during your sessions? I call this 'zoning out' instead of 'zoning in.' If your body feels good and it’s appropriate, it might be time to increase the intensity to stay challenged and engaged. For example, if you’re strength training, this could mean increasing the load or adding more complex movement patterns. If you’re a runner, you might try tempo runs or incorporate hill work. Need help? Find a coach or trainer who can help you set new goals and create a progressive training routine.
Movement can bring so much joy, but if that joy is lost, it can start to feel like a chore rather than something you look forward to. Routine is rewarding, but variety is the spice of life. Changing the timing of your work out or trying a new activity can sometimes be just the trick.
