Why is it so dang hard for some people to keep up a regular exercise regime? I often ask this question to my massage therapy clients and to myself.

The number one answer I get is, TIME. There’s not enough time. But. I don’t buy that it’s a TIME thing.

After much contemplation…I think it’s the same concept as the episode “Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little” from my beloved TV show, Sex and the City.   In this scene, Jack Berger (Carrie’s boyfriend) and the girls are out on the town having drinks and talking about the mixed messages men send. When asked for his perspective on why Miranda’s date didn’t accept her invitation to come up for a post first date drink, Berger introduces the girls to the concept ” He’s just not that into you.” He goes on to say: ”With guys, it’s very simple. If we’re into you, we’re coming upstairs, we’re booking the next date. There are no mixed messages.”

For some of my patients, it’s very simple. They wake up early to get their exercises in before breakfast or they stop off at the gym or yoga studio on their way home from work. They build their exercise regime into their schedule. There are no mixed messages.

If you’re into you, it’s very simple.  You’re finding the time and you’re booking the next exercise date. There are no mixed messages.  So why don’t you want to?

Have you forgotten how to love yourself?

Fear not!  A self-love reunion is well within your reach.

I invite you to consider the possibility of starting where you are and offering yourself compassion for the current story you’re telling yourself about why you are not able to make time for your regular exercise regime. Brené Brown, Research Professor (courage, shame, vulnerability and empathy) at the University of Houston and  #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, tells us that  “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”

The next easy step you can take towards restoring your exercise regime is scheduling yourself some therapeutic nurturing.  From both my professional and personal experience, receiving healing hands on physical support and/or psychological counseling can help you re-connect to your body and assist you in addressing the mixed messages that keep you from engaging in your regular exercise regime. A private session with an RMT, Physiotherapist, Yoga Teacher, Nutritionist, Pilates Instructor, Acupuncturist, Chiropractor, Psychotherapist, Osteopath or Naturopathic Doctor are each equipped in their own right to empower you to remember how to love yourself again!

Nancy J Brooks is a registered massage therapist and musician.

When Nancy is not massaging clients or making music she loves to practice yoga, go camping and watch rugby with her Irish Lad!