Hi
I was always doing some sort of gymnastics as a kid - cartwheels, handstands, somersaults on the bed… you name it, I was flipping and rolling all over the place! I even went to an acrobatics class, where I won a glorious 50p for walking around the hall on my hands. (Yes, that’s right - early gymnastics glory!) I loved every second of it and it was probably no surprise that I
eventually became a fitness instructor. Exercise had always been a source of confidence, joy and self-discovery for me and I wanted to pass that enthusiasm along to others, helping them find their own strength and confidence.
I've always been active and honestly, I can't remember a time when I wasn’t doing something physical, whether it was walking, going to fitness classes in my 20s, running, or other activities. However, I know that many of my clients don’t feel the same way
about exercise - and that’s perfectly okay.
As I've said before: you don’t have to enjoy everything that's good for you. Sometimes, it’s just about doing what needs to be done. If making exercise a consistent habit has always felt like a challenge for you, you’re not alone. Here are a few things I’ve learned from my clients over the years:
➕ You might need to unpack a lifetime of beliefs around exercise. It could be tied to ideas of what you "should" be capable of or
what a "good" routine looks like. Learn to constantly uncover new beliefs that can hold you back from just getting up and moving.
➕ It’s important to focus on the long-term benefits. Maybe you picture yourself lifting your grandkids over your head one day and having the strength at 60, 70, or even 80 years old to do it. For me, exercise is about so much more than aesthetics. When I keep my bigger goals in mind, it’s easier to get myself up from my desk and moving.
➕ You have to meet
yourself where you are. Sometimes that means shorter workouts, lighter weights, or making other adjustments based on what you need at that moment in life. It's okay to adapt your plan to suit this season, this hectic week, or even just a day that didn’t go as planned.
➕ Remember, change isn’t linear. There will be setbacks. You may never find exercise "easy" or "fun," but you’re much more likely to stay consistent if you A) give yourself grace when you don’t meet your own expectations and
B) give yourself a loving nudge when you simply don’t feel like moving.
Now, I’d love to hear about your exercise habits! What's been working (or not working) for you?
If you're looking for support, encouragement, and a place to connect with other women on their fitness journeys, I’d love to invite you to join my Fitness After 40 FREE Group with Nicki Carless just for women!
I’m reviving it with fresh energy, and there will be new fitness and health-related challenges each month to help us build great habits and reach our goals while having fun. It’s a friendly, empowering community where we share tips, motivation and real talk about fitness, health and cultivating a lifestyle we love. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just getting
started, you’ll find inspiration and camaraderie here. Come join us, and let’s keep each other moving toward our goals - together!
Stay active, stay well!
Love Nicki x
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