Nutritionist Jessica Sepel’s Guide To Exercising With Kindness

Why listening to your body's needs is the biggest work-out trend of 2020.

exercising with kindness jessica sepel
Image: Jessica Sepel

In the past, I’ve spent hours each day in the gym, pushing my body to its limits. I’ve been obsessed with burning off the calories I’d consumed that day. I punished myself with exercise, instead of using physical activity as a way to nourish and appreciate my body. However, over the last few years, I’ve learned how to tune in to my body, listen to what it needs, and exercise with kindness and balance. I adopted this approach when one day I realized how exhausted and burnt out I had become and recognized I needed to rethink my attitude to exercise. We should be exercising with kindness. The truth is, constantly pushing your body too far and exhausting yourself can affect your adrenal glands – which are essential for our hormone regulation and production.

If we are overtraining we can be left feeling exhausted, too hungry and this could potentially increase cortisol levels (our stress hormone). Now, I tune into my body before exercising.

exercising with kindness jessica sepel
Image: Jessica Sepel

Take A Rest Day

Some days I wake up feeling tired, so I’ll have a rest day and take it easy. And if I wake up energized, I’ll start my day with a workout – whether that involves yoga, HIIT or going for a walk. As soon as I began exercising with kindness and balance, my relationship with myself and my body completely changed. Suddenly, I started loving my body – imperfections and all – and appreciating what it could do! Exercise became something I looked forward to and enjoyed! My entire exercise philosophy changed.

Spend Less Time In The Gym

Now, instead of spending two hours a day in the gym torturing myself, I’ll do a 20- to 30-minute session a few days each week, just to get my body moving and endorphins flowing! I very much advocate exercise for its cardiovascular and mental benefits. But, you don’t need to push your body to the limit every day. General movement and kind, gentle exercise keep your body, heart, and metabolism healthy!

exercising with kindness jessica sepel
Image: Jessica Sepel

Do What Feels Right

So my advice? Move your body in ways that you really love and enjoy. For me, this is walking, yoga and HIIT workouts. Also, make sure to enjoy restorative exercise as well – especially if you have a long, demanding job! Think yoga, pilates, slow walking, and stretching. Focus on that mind-body connection and give your body what it’s crying out for – even if that is rest! You’ll look and feel better than ever.

While you’re here, check out these three insider wellness tips on how to get through your ‘Be Healthy In 2020’ goals

Deep Sleep Support

Magnesium Breakthrough

Want to fall asleep faster and all through the night?

GET BETTER SLEEP

3X The Value Of Food

MassZymes

Want to absorb ALL the valuable nutrients from your food?

Improve Your Digestion

Good Bacteria Support

P3-OM

Want to protect your body from bad bacteria that’s causing bloating?

ELIMINATE BLOATING

Zeen is a next generation WordPress theme. It’s powerful, beautifully designed and comes with everything you need to engage your visitors and increase conversions.

Top 3 Stories