Unless we are paying attention, it can go unnoticed and this can lead to trouble. Our bodies, minds and circumstances change. Something that once was once the perfect fit may actually become detrimental. As silly as it sounds we can get so attached to workouts that once made us feel so good that we put those blinders on and keep trying harder and ignore little things until they aren’t little any more.

There is a risk versus a reward for every exercise that you do. Though there is a general idea of the level of risk vs reward for most exercises, there isn’t a simple hierarchy to follow. The risk vs reward for a bicep curl might be generally thought of as low risk across the board, but, we cannot assume that the risk is low for everyone. It has little to do with what someone’s general fitness level is either. It has to do with how you move as an individual. Your workout may not have the best risk vs reward ratio any longer. I am aware that this may not be a popular post, but, stick with me, I am not going to tell you to break-up with something that is truly benefiting you.

If any of the statements below are true for you, I just want you to evaluate and make decisions for yourself that will ultimately reach beyond the results that you are getting now. Read on and take note of anything that may be true for you:

Motivation has become a challenge: People often have the idea that it is difficult to feel motivated to exercise consistently. While sometimes true, that isn't usually the case. It is more likely that something isn’t working. If you keep pushing at this point you could get injured, sick or so tired of pushing yourself that you give up on exercise altogether.

Consistency is waning. If you find yourself missing workouts, something is up. You aren’t lazy. Maybe something else is going on in your life that needs more attention. Your exercise needs to fit your lifestyle and our lifestyles change and that is okay.

You have been doing the same thing for more than a few months. This is hard to swallow if you love your routine. The more you do something, the more your brain goes on autopilot and no longer pays attention to detail. Repetitive movements done poorly can cause insidious injuries that seem to come out of nowhere. Treat each exercise like it is new to you. If you have any little aches or joint stiffness seek professional guidance to have your movement screened to make sure that you address anything that could become an issue.

You are approaching or are over 40. Age is just a number and it does not determine health or physical abilities, however, there are things that inevitably change. You need to be proactive if you want to be enjoying an active life until the day you die. Trust me on this. Don’t let your brain get the memo later than your body on this one. Things change and we don’t notice them until we find ourselves saying “WTF?”

What I am suggesting here is that you regularly check in with the reality of both the chronological number and what your body is able to do without ramifications. A relationship with a qualified movement professional can help prevent WTF moments.

You have pain, soreness or injury. As obvious as I think this is, people still come to me after they have been exercising through pain. If you find yourself saying that the pain came out of nowhere, know this, it did not come out of nowhere. Get yourself a movement screen by a professional. If you fit into the age category above, you may have missed the age cue, but don’t worry, it’s not too late and you are in good company.

You find zero enjoyment in it. No enjoyment is a sign that what you are doing isn’t a good fit for you or that you haven’t received adequate guidance on how or what to do. Even people who “hate to exercise” find enjoyment in small ways.

If you are still reading this, that’s good news. It means you are open to the idea that change could be good for you. I am not here to take away the things you love. I am here to help you evolve your routines to follow your ever-evolving body and mind.

The takeaway is that awareness is priority over consistency. Awareness tells you when something is up and knowing when something is up is a fantastic way to prevent problems. Preventing problems allows consistency.

Being consistent with exercise is important for much more than just reaching a certain body composition and other goals. Exercise has a huge impact on your immune system as well. Exercise has been proven to act as anti-depressant! It is free and it can literally change your health and the way you see and experience the world!

I am committed to helping people stay healthy and enjoy the things they love to do for the rest of their lives. I rely on people like you to help me share what is going to be most helpful for you. Would you mind answering a few questions? You can comment below or send me an email at info@humansmove.com.

1. How would you describe your current experience with fitness?

2. Are you satisfied with your level of fitness? From all standpoints? How you feel, perform and look?

3. What type of content interests you most? What would you be happy and excited to read about, watch or listen to?

If you liked this post or you think someone you know would benefit, please share it with your friends and family. Comments on this post help the conversation keep rolling. Thank you for being here and for sharing my message.

Here is a link to reference.