Do You Hate to Exercise? Here’s How to Make Movement Finally Work for You

Mar 12

Do You Hate to Exercise? Here’s How to Make Movement Finally Work for You

If you dread working out, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. There are strategic, realistic ways to build a relationship with movement that actually feels doable. Below are five approaches that truly help women shift from avoidance to consistency, confidence, and long-term change.

1. Rediscover What You Enjoy

Think back: what did you love moving your body for when you were younger?
Dance? Basketball? Soccer? Even simple games like tag?

Chances are those activities would still feel fun now.

And if you never considered yourself “sporty,” this is the perfect time to experiment. Try different activities and commit to each for 1–4 weeks so you can truly determine whether it’s a fit. Join a beginner women’s team, try a new class with a friend, or explore something that sparks curiosity.

The key: try, evaluate, and move on without guilt if it’s not for you.

2. Anchor Yourself in a Small, Meaningful Goal

Movement feels completely different when it has purpose.

I distinguish between movement and training:

Movement changes your mood, boosts energy, and shifts your state.
Training is intentional, structured, and designed to move you toward a goal.

And when you have a goal—something personal, exciting, or meaningful—motivation skyrockets.

One of my clients began at age 50 and set a goal to deadlift 100 lbs for her 52nd birthday. Another trained for a 70-km hike with a 35-lb pack. Both succeeded because their goal ignited them.

Your goal doesn’t have to be weight-related. Strength, stamina, mobility, confidence—choose what resonates.

3. Short Workouts Count—More Than You Think

If long sessions overwhelm you, shorten the window.
Fifteen to thirty minutes is enough to change your health, your mood, and your body.

Think of movement like brushing your teeth: you may not love it, but it’s necessary. And it doesn’t need to take an hour.

Four-minute Tabatas, 10-minute circuits, or a simple list of 1–3 exercises done consistently will outperform the “all or nothing” mentality every time.

A short workout done often beats a long workout avoided.

4. Explore Bodyweight Training

If weights feel intimidating or unappealing, shift the modality.

Bodyweight training builds strength, stability, confidence, and athleticism—without equipment. Push-ups, planks, chin-ups, squat jumps, handstands, and flow-style movements (like Animal Flow) are incredibly empowering.

Mastery over your own body is motivating, fun, and accessible anywhere.

5. Work With a Coach Who Understands You

I’ve coached women for decades, and one thing is consistent: when women receive the right guidance, their relationship with exercise transforms.

A skilled coach helps you:

identify what motivates you
build a program that fits your lifestyle
progress safely and confidently
reduce stress and emotional overwhelm through movement
finally feel successful with exercise

A coaching experience should feel empowering—not rigid, shame-based, or forced. Personalized, client-centered guidance is often the missing link for women who’ve struggled for years.

Final Thoughts

Hating exercise isn’t a character flaw; it’s a sign you haven’t found the right approach, environment, or purpose yet. With the right structure, even the most reluctant beginner can build a lifestyle rooted in strength, vitality, and self-trust.

Ready to Rewrite Your Relationship With Exercise?

If you want support, clarity, and a custom plan designed around your preferences, challenges, and goals, I’d love to help.

📩 Email me at hello@taniaatkin.com with the subject line: “I Hate to Exercise.”
Let’s talk about what’s been holding you back—and map out a path that finally feels sustainable, empowering, and aligned with the woman you want to become.

Tania
xo