Redefine fitness and prioritize one simple goal: feeling good

In 2023, we aim to break free from the clutches of diet culture disguised as fitness advice. No longer will we focus on calorie counts and body appearances on treadmills and ellipticals. Instead, we’ll explore the true essence of exercise and how it can genuinely enhance our well-being.

Let’s discard the notion that exercise is solely about controlling our bodies or making them perform better and last longer. Whether it’s bouncing on a trampoline or following an astronaut’s workout routine, the media often perpetuates the idea that we can manipulate our bodies through exercise. We’re bombarded with claims connecting workout intensity to memory, immunity, or even the adequacy of certain activities like pickleball. It’s time to shift our perspective.

Rather than placing the burden solely on individuals, we need to recognize that health is influenced by our larger environments and medical care. While self-care, nutrition, vitamins, and physical activity can be beneficial, they’re not the ultimate solutions for everyone. The influx of information and advice on what to do, when to do it, and for how long can be overwhelming. We now have access to constant updates on the latest studies and consumer technology that tracks our every move. But are we interpreting all this data correctly? Should exercise be treated as just another pill to pop?

The abundance of advice and conflicting information has created a maze that is hard to navigate, both scientifically and culturally. It’s time to debunk the myths and challenge the outdated notions of exercise and well-being. Let’s question the effectiveness of certain fitness standards, like the 10,000-step rule, which originated as a marketing gimmick rather than a scientific guideline. We must be discerning consumers of exercise information and separate the useful from the useless.

Amidst the chaos, it’s important to remember that we already understand the core principles of exercise, just like we know the basics of good nutrition. We all recognize the importance of movement in our lives, but the challenge lies in finding ways to make it enjoyable and sustainable. Rather than making exercise a means to achieve numerous goals, such as a better body or a longer lifespan, let’s simplify our approach. How can we use science and technology as tools that genuinely support us?

We often overlook the true essence of exercise, which is that it makes us feel good. In fact, it can even be fun. While running, weightlifting, or swimming may not always bring immediate joy, the overall impact of exercise should be that we feel better—without the need for metrics, heart rates, or body measurements. This year, let’s explore fitness in a different light, free from the endless news cycles and debunking sessions. We’ll delve into the role of movement in our lives, considering how business models shape our perceptions of what we “should” be doing. We’ll push our boundaries, both figuratively and literally. But above all, we’ll seek to answer a fundamental question: How can moving in 2023 make our lives simply, undeniably good?