The way we talk to ourselves about exercising — both out loud and in our heads — has a tangible effect on our behavior and whether or not we keep up our movement routines in the long run.
That’s why it’s so important to examine and reframe some of our unhelpful thoughts about working out. Reframing, a psychological intervention used to change negative thought patterns, is typically used in cognitive behavioral therapy — but researchers have found it has a powerful impact on our “biased thoughts” about movement, too, like assuming we are too busy, catastrophizing, or having an all-or-nothing mentality. Reframing our thoughts around exercise, the study shows, can reduce negative feelings, boost our intentions to get moving, and actually push us to be more active in our daily lives.
If you’re struggling to look at physical activity in a positive light, these simple reframes might help you put a new, more enthusiastic spin on it