From frustration to flow

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.

​The Shift: A Small but Powerful Exercise

​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.”

​What Karl Taught Me (and Himself)

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.

​What About You?

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