If ‘Exercise’ Is Too Much Today, Try A Little ‘Movement’

“Hey, Kathy – want to go exercise later?”

“No, thanks, Diane – but I’d love to get in some movement, if you’re up for that.”

Huh? What’s going on between these two friends? One wants to exercise, but the other is only interested in movement.

What about “physical activity,” “training,” “keeping fit” or any of the other words and phrases used throughout the years to describe same thing, more or less: deliberately moving your body to expend energy in a recreational or healthful way.

That’s our definition today, at least, as we ask you to notice how you respond to different requests and priorities.

And, just so we’re clear at the start, we don’t care which term you prefer.

JUST DO IT!

What’s in a word?

The word “exercise” can intimidate some people who are out of shape or afraid of a gym. They might be more openminded about “movement,” says Shebah Carfagna, a veteran trainer who works with many clients over age 50.

“We meet individuals where they are -- there is no judgment,” says Shebah, 67. “We don’t call what we do ‘exercise’ or ‘workout.’  We stick to the word ‘movement’ because that is a more universal and inclusive.

“We know that 80% of the world doesn't move so much, so how can you listen to them and interact with them and find out what they see as their success?” (That’s Shebah, 67, pictured, with her partner Nate, 71.)

There are plenty of other examples in daily life and in health and fitness.

For instance, you probably want to have a long, healthy life that’s followed by a short death.

But do you feel the same way about “compression of morbidity,” a more technical phrase for the same idea?

And when we’re trying to be considerate of other people’s feelings, we might pause before saying someone is “fat.” But do we need to call him “a person with obesity”?

Words matter to our motivation

Sometimes, a newcomer to fitness might say, “Well, darn. I guess I HAVE TO workout today.”

But after training with us for a short period, we notice how quickly that becomes, “Yay! I GET TO workout today.”

Instead of saying, “I can’t do anything like that,” try, “I’ll work my way up to it.”

Instead of, “It must be nice to have all that time to go to the gym,” can you say, “Hmm… let me reconsider how I spend my time to find a few minutes.”

Use whatever language works for you and find positivity wherever you can. We’re not saying “exercise” is a better word than “workout” or any of the others. It’s different for everyone, based on need and ability, priorities and preferences.

Generally, “exercise” seems more rigorous and intense than “movement.” We have plenty of members who “exercise” with us on some days and enjoy “movement,” like playing with their grandkids or walking the dog, on others.

Maybe you think more broadly, like the phrase “physical activity,” which covers it all.

Choose what works for you. And then… MOVE!