Regarding movement just as a "fix" for weight problems doesn't do justice to its health benefits, says physical education specialist Dr Susannah Stevens.
As well as energising us, movement has the power to protect our bodies against cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, depression and insomnia, she tells Sunday Morning.
Photo: Ketut Subiyanto
On 2 May, Dr Susannah Stevens will deliver a free talk in Christchurch. How to Stop Hating Exercise is part of Raising The Bar – a series of 20 free evening talks across 10 bar venues throughout Ōtautahi Christchurch and wider Waitaha Canterbury.
Dr Susannah Stevens from the School of Child Wellbeing, University of Canterbury Photo: University of Canterbury
Too tired to exercise?
If fatigue really seems to be restricting your movement, Dr Susannah Stevens, who is not a medical doctor, recommends talking to your GP. Otherwise, keep in mind that not moving our bodies enough actually zaps our energy.
"When we stop moving, we become lethargic and then we lose energy and we don't want to re-engage. It's a really vicious cycle. Whereas once movement becomes part of our being, becomes part of our living and we are having some really good experiences, some of that fatigue may fall away."
Find something that sparks joy
The World Health Organisation recommends 3-5 hours of physical activity per week but there's no mandate on what or where that should be, Dr Stevens says.
Whether you're finding or refinding motivation for exercise, the key is to find something that makes you feel joyful.
"Our health industry loves to sell us lots of products and they love to show that exercise must look and feel a particular way. What I'm saying is that there are so many ways to be a confident mover and it might be those stepping stones don't look anything like what fitness and wellness and wellbeing industries are feeding us."
Photo: WR / Pexels
Identify your motivation
It doesn't matter why you want to move as long as you move, Dr Stevens says.
Her motivation is the satisfaction of having completed some exercise.
If you can't find the motivation to work out by yourself, maybe moving alone is not for you and you need to find an exercise friend or a group activity.
Increase 'incidental' movement
Take opportunities to perform small movements during the day that will help build or rebuild physical confidence, Dr Stevens says.
''We have lots of things that take movement away from us. Think about a remote control, an escalator… all of these little inventions that make our life easier. But what they do is they take away these wonderful movements for our bodies to move and remember and get excited by moving.''
This might be strengthening your muscles and bones by reaching for Tupperware on high shelves, dancing with whanau, playing with children, carrying bags of shopping, picking up heavy items or pushing your weight against home surfaces.
''Every time you [do some physical activity] you're adding another cool little moment as a protective factor for your body, for your whole self.''
Be kind to yourself (especially if it's been a while)
"We can be really hard on ourselves if we used to move and we were really good at moving and now we're in a position where we can no longer move [as we did] previously.
"Have little goals that are reachable and see if your GP to see if there's anything they can do to help you get back to movement."
Not everyone is "a gym person" and Dr Stephens found the environment scary herself before building confidence on the equipment and feeling benefits.
"I enjoy my muscle strengthening and bone strengthening exercises in the gym mostly because it makes me feel strong as a person - not just physically strong but when I finish those sessions I walk away and I feel I can take on any element of work, I can take on my children and frolic in the park and I feel like life is a little bit easier."
Event details: Get your free ticket here for How to Stop Hating Exercise – a talk by Dr Susannah Stevens
Time: 7.30 pm, Tuesday 2 May
Venue: Two Thumb, 380 Colombo Street, Sydenham
