I’m just going to say it, I think we’ve taken this whole concept of ‘exercise’ too far.
When I was a teenager, gyms weren’t a big thing. There were a few around, but they were really for weightlifters or athletes. Most people didn’t rely on them to stay active.
But as gyms boomed (ironically, right around the time computers became mainstream), we started to believe that exercise had to happen in a specific environment, doing the “right” things for the “right” amount of time—or else it didn’t count.
And ever since I finished school and my organised sport came to an abrupt halt, I bought into that belief too.
I used to plan 3–4 structured workouts a week, convinced they were the key to getting stronger, fitter, and healthier. Those plans got even more intricate as I studied physio and learned more about the body.
But then life got busy. Work, kids, and all the other curveballs would inevitably throw my plan off track. I’d miss one session, then two, and the guilt would creep in.
I’d tell myself, “I’ll start fresh next week,” but that guilt stuck with me—because I thought I was failing.
Sound familiar?
But here’s the truth: I wasn’t failing. The system was.
A recent study (you can read it here) got me thinking even more about this. It shows that doing 10 bodyweight squats every 45 minutes during an 8.5-hour period of sitting improved blood sugar regulation more than a single 30-minute walk.
While the study isn’t perfect, it highlights an important point: Frequent movement throughout the day might be better for us than longer stints at the end of the day.
This hit home for me. I realised that for at least the past two years, I’ve been doing this without even realising it.
Since I started planning and running the GLOW10 Tribe, my strategy has shifted:
👉 I’ve embraced short, intentional strength sessions. These are 10–15 minutes long, and I aim to do them daily.
👉 I’ve become an opportunity seeker for movement. I grab 10-minute windows when they pop up to do my sessions or go for a walk when the opportunity presents itself. Over time, I’ve gotten really good at spotting these opportunities because I’ve made it a habit.
👉 I’ve stacked incidental movement into my day. Pelvic floor exercises, mobility work, or pain/rehab exercises while waiting for the kettle to boil, brushing my teeth, or sitting with the kids at bedtime.
And guess what?
I’m still getting stronger. My fitness is improving. My body feels good—no pain or restrictions. And it doesn’t look bad either (because yes, we’re allowed to care about that!)
But the best part? There’s no guilt. Exercise is no longer a villain or a chore. It’s just part of my life- a lifestyle I choose to live.
Daily movement builds momentum. And because it’s simple and consistent, it doesn’t feel hard.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in the cycle of guilt over missed workouts, it’s time to try a different approach.
I’m so excited to continue supporting you in 2025.