Over the past two blog posts, we’ve explored the idea of shifting from power over to power with in your approach to movement and how the words you use—like "can" versus "like"—shape your mindset. ​

Today, I want to share Karl’s story to show how this shift can make a real difference in your fitness journey.

A couple of years ago, a client of mine—let’s call him Karl—came to me feeling stuck.
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He’d been trying to get back into shape after a long break but felt frustrated by his lack of progress.

“I keep telling myself to push harder, but my body just doesn’t cooperate anymore,” he admitted during one of our first sessions.

Karl’s mindset was all about power over: forcing his body to perform, no matter how it felt.

This approach had worked for him in the past as a competitive athlete, but now it left him feeling defeated and disconnected.

He was frustrated that his body wasn’t meeting his expectations.

During a session, I suggested a different perspective.

What if, instead of fighting his body, Karl tried working with it?

At first, he wasn’t sure what that would look like. So, we started small—with a simple exercise in listening.

​One day, Karl came into a session feeling stiff and exhausted after a long week. Normally, he would’ve forced himself through his planned workout. But instead, I asked him to pause and tune into how his body was feeling.

“What does your body need right now?” I asked.

After a moment, Karl admitted, “Honestly, rest. But I feel like if I take it easy, I’m letting myself off the hook.”

We worked together to reframe that thought.

Rest wasn’t a sign of failure—it was an essential part of progress.

Instead of his usual intense routine, Karl tried a few gentle stretches and a short, mindful walk.

“I thought it would feel like a waste of time,” he said later. “But instead, I felt lighter—like I gave my body what it actually needed for once.”

Karl’s story is a powerful example of the shift from power over to power with.

By listening to his body and adjusting his approach, he built a stronger connection with himself—and found more energy and joy in his movement.

Here’s what Karl’s journey can teach all of us:

👆🏼 Listening leads to clarity: Your body communicates its needs. The more you listen, the better you can respond.

👆🏼 Adapting is progress: Changing your plan to suit your body’s needs isn’t giving up—it’s showing respect for the process.

👆🏼 Partnership creates trust: When you collaborate with your body, you build a relationship that supports long-term growth and well-being.

This week, take a moment to check in with your body before you move. Ask yourself:

1. How does my body feel today?
2. What does it need most?
3. How can I honour that need through movement?

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When you approach movement as a partnership, like Karl did, you create space for progress that feels good and lasts.

I’d love to hear how this approach resonates with you—what’s one way you can work with your body this week? Comment below.

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

Last week’s email sparked curiosity and reflection for many of you.

It introduced an intriguing perspective on physical activity: the concepts of power over versus power with.

If you missed it, you can catch up here on my website, but here’s a quick recap:

We explored how our mindset—whether we approach movement with a sense of control (power over) or collaboration and possibility (power with)—can influence our experience. This week, let’s build on that idea and dive deeper into how the words we use shape our physical activity experience.

Pause for a moment and think about these statements:

• I can do this exercise.​

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• I can’t do this exercise.

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• I like this exercise.

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• I don’t like this exercise.

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How do they resonate with you?

Using can and can’t often reflects a power over mindset, focusing on your abilities and potential—what your body is capable of doing.

On the other hand, like and don’t like align with a power with approach, where personal preferences guide your choices.

By shifting from like/don’t like to can/can’t, you may notice a transition from focusing on preferences to emphasizing ability and possibility.

Reflect on your relationship with movement: are you approaching it through the lens of what you can or can’t do, or are you letting like or don’t like take the lead?

The holiday season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce Thrive Tribe – Holiday Edition, a supportive and inspiring space to help you stress less and savour life more.


It might say ladies, but men are welcome too!


This isn’t about more work or assignments. It’s about showing up, sharing, exploring, and learning together.


To help you navigate this hectic time, I’ve teamed up with two amazing professionals to create The Thrive Tribe—a supportive, private Facebook group launching November 18.


Here’s what to expect:

​Kelly from Pursue Wellness: A Functional Medicine Health Coach, Kelly will share strategies to stay grounded and healthy, including holiday party survival tips, stress-less strategies, and delicious recipes.


​Meredith From Pause Box: An Intuitive Leadership Coach, Meredith will help you align your mindset for success with tools like above/below the line thinking, tackling the people pleaser tendency, and offering One Question to help guide your reflections.


​Lisa Workman (me!) from Medical Fitness Consulting: I’ll be there to offer calming body movements, simple ways to refresh your energy, and finding the time to move and thrive during the holiday season.


What’s included?

Private Facebook Group: The group kicks off on November 18, where you’ll receive an email invite to join.

VIP Access (Optional): Upgrade for December and January for exclusive content and perks, including weekly drops of bonus resources, teaching videos, and live sessions.

This group is your chance to navigate the holiday season with ease, connecting with a community focused on thriving together.

👉 Join Thrive Tribe – Holiday Edition today!

​Mark your calendars! My first-ever Black Friday deal launches Friday, November 22, and runs through Tuesday, December 3. While I don’t typically email outside of Sunday mornings, I’ll send you all the details the day before the deal goes live.

I’m so excited to bring something special to our email community, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Stay tuned!

Here’s to thriving through the holiday season, one mindful choice at a time.

Stay well and happy moving!
Lisa

Let’s talk about power—not in the traditional sense of strength or control, but in the deeper relationship we have with our bodies when it comes to movement. 

Think about this: power over, power with, or simply power. What does each of these mean in the context of your physical activity? How do they shape the conversations you have with your body when you move?

Power Over
When we approach physical activity with a power over mindset, we tell our body, "I'm in control, and you’ll do what I say—no matter what.” 

This can mean ignoring aches, fatigue, or discomfort, pushing through pain without acknowledgment, and sidelining the body’s needs for the mind’s agenda. 

This approach can lead to overexertion, injury, and burnout, disconnecting us from the signals our bodies send us.

But there’s a different path.

Power With
Consider power with your body. 

This isn’t about pushing your body to its limits without pause, but about working together with it, respecting its cues and rhythms. 

This approach invites a partnership with the body, recognizing it as a valuable contributor in the decision-making process. 

My senior teacher in yoga therapy has a powerful mantra: “Learn how to listen to your body when it whispers so you don’t have to hear it scream. ” 

Are you open to noticing subtle cues—perhaps a slight tension or a shift in ease—before they escalate? 

Listening to these “whispers” means acknowledging when things are working and not working, without waiting until the body’s signals are too loud to ignore.

Tuning into Your Body’s Signals
Our bodies communicate in unique ways. 

For some, it’s a gut feeling; for others, it might be a tingling in the skin, a tightening in the throat, or even a gentle tension that speaks of something needing attention. 

These sensations are not random—they’re messages from our bodies that deserve to be included in our choices. When we ignore these signals, we overlook an important aspect of our well-being.

So, the next time you lace up for a walk, roll out a yoga mat, or get ready to lift weights, take a moment. 

Are you approaching this movement with power over or power with? 

Are you allowing your body to participate in the conversation, to be a partner rather than a follower?

Reflecting on Your Physical Activity Choices
Try to bring awareness to your physical activity choices. 

Notice if you’re moving with an overbearing control or if you’re engaging in a respectful dialogue with your body. Let your decisions reflect a balanced power—a power with your body. 

Moving forward this week, I encourage you to consider this relationship. Check in with your body, allow it to contribute, and listen to what it has to say. 

This mindset shift may lead to a richer, more fulfilling relationship with movement—and perhaps an even more powerful one.


Stay well and happy moving!
Lisa


P.S., Keep an eye out for our upcoming Black Friday special! This is a unique opportunity to delve into something new, all at an exclusive rate. Whether you’re looking to find calm, reconnect with yourself, or bring some rejuvenation into your routine, there’s something here to support you on your journey. More details soon—don’t miss out on this once-a-year offer!