Exercise, is it really all it’s cracked up to be?

Happy New Year to all!

As we move into a new year, many of us reflect on what we achieved (and what challenged us) last year, while visualising everything we hope to bring to the year ahead. This time of year is often filled with optimism: a drive to do better, to be more mindfully present (at work and at home), and to be fitter and healthier.

Today the gym was packed. The car park was full (photo taken during a very brief moment when a few machines were free — it doesn’t reflect the true picture!). I suspect the increase in numbers compared to last month aligns neatly with many people’s New Year visions.

But are we setting ourselves up for failure?

The pursuit of the “perfect” body and mind. High achievement in all areas of life, while remaining calm, zen-like, with a tidy house, positive mindset, tiny waist, and beautifully organised action trackers at work.

We know these are impossible targets, years of trying before provide the evidence. Perhaps this is the year to reflect more honestly on what we can realistically achieve, and how we can truly be kind to ourselves along the way.

A small moment at the gym today really brought this home. My friend and gym buddy was sat on the exercise bike… reading work emails on her personal phone. Time pressure felt like the reason, but in reality, it was a choice. Today is Sunday, a day off. She got the look from me. A caring one, but she knew exactly what I meant:

• Work emails on personal phones are a terrible idea. We need genuine switch-off time.
• Being contactable 24/7 quickly becomes an expectation — and it’s not sustainable or healthy.
• Exercise focus suffers when we’re mentally elsewhere.
• Being fully present in exercise supports endorphins and well being far beyond just calorie burning
  https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/how-exercise-boosts-your-mood-and-brain-power

So can we truly be kind to ourselves in the world we live in?

Often, kindness to self goes against the tide of expectations, both real and imagined. Yet by the end of each year, how many people do we see completely worn out, exhausted from endlessly trying to meet everyone else’s expectations? https://tinyurl.com/4569zh3w. I know I’ve been guilty of putting myself last. Swimming against that tide is hard — but those who do are often stronger, happier, and quietly stand out.

Of course, all of this is easy to say. It only matters if we practice what we preach.

So what have I done this past year to align better with this way of thinking?

Gym: 3 mornings a week before work. No excuses. Accountability helps, especially with a 5:45am gym buddy.
Coaching: I used to think “that’s not for me.” I was wrong. Having space to talk and reflect with a great listener has been invaluable.
Volunteering: As a Volunteer Experience Manager, I’ve recently taken on a well-being volunteer role at a sports club we attend as a family. Volunteering is known to be a brilliant well-being support, but also my time in this role will help me to be truly compassionate in my work decisions.
Reading: A mix of fiction and non-fiction. Current read: The 5 Essential People Skills by Dale Carnegie.
Fun: The most important one. Life is serious enough. Holidays booked, theatre trips planned, family days in the calendar.

So… do I have life sorted? Absolutely not.

I still work too many hours. I still judge myself harshly when I feel I’ve underperformed. But this past year has shown me the value of being kinder to myself, and that will be my focus in the year ahead.

Which brings me back to the opening question…

Is exercise all it’s cracked up to be?
Exercise isn’t the provider of a perfect body or mind. It’s an important part of the solution, but it is not a standalone solution.

The gym can’t replace the need for kindness… to ourselves.