As you can see in this picture, I was a gymnast in high school.
Being a gymnast was a part of my identity and I loved it – until I fell off the high bar during our state competition.
Over time, my exercise identity changed to become a runner and more recently, a ballroom dancer.
Exercise identity can be defined as how much someone identifies themselves as an exerciser. The benefits are physical, emotional and social.
Those with a strong exercise identity likely have greater internal motivation to exercise. That’s because they engage in an activity they enjoy and makes them feel better.
But what if you don’t have an exercise identity because frankly you don’t like exercise?
This is actually quite common for people who only exercise to achieve an external goal like “my doctor scared me into exercising” or “I have to lose 15 pounds for an upcoming event”.
Know that over time, motivation can change from external to internal and in doing so, you just may develop an exercise identity.
Here are some tips to guide you:
1-Set Personal Goals Intrinsic to You
Are you looking to feel better, have more energy or improve your mood?
Finding an activity that boosts positive feelings and emotions can make you truly enjoy being physically active and make you coming back for more.
You can anticipate immediate benefits to your mood and feelings of well-being when engaged in physical activity behaviors of your choosing.
I encourage you to focus on what you desire versus “should do”.
2-Find the Joy in Movement
Think about:
- what positive experiences you want from being physically active (feeling stronger, having more vitality, clearing the mind, feeling joyful)
- what activities you’re motivated to try (walking, dancing, pickleball, biking, Pilates)
- at what intensity helps you feel more engaged
Finding a social community of like-minded exercisers is also a wonderful way to build a new skill while making new social connections.
It’s an individual process of trial and error to find the joy in movement.
For more guidance on developing an exercise program that’s enjoyable and meets your needs, check out my self-help book, Six Factors to Fit: Weight Loss that Works for You!
3- Know your Exercise Identity Changes over Time
One’s personal situation, health challenges, time availability and resources change over time.
Seeing a personal trainer or getting physical therapy for pain, injury or muscle tightness can set you up for greater success.
Losing weight after being on a GLP-1 medication may be a motivator to becoming more active.
Your primary care provider can be a resource on your healthy lifestyle journey.
If you’re a clinician who counsels patients on physical activity and exercise, check out my latest book for healthcare professionals, Patient-Centered Weight Management.
RK
Robert Kushner, MD
