How much is enough?

A few months ago, I wrote about how better movement starts with better questions.​​

​Lately, one question has come up again and again in conversations with clients.
"How much should I do?"
It's a great question.
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As a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, I can absolutely help answer it. I can recommend sets, repetitions, intensity, and progression.
But I've realized that sometimes my job isn't telling someone how much to do.
Sometimes my job is helping them learn how to know.
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Because I don't live in my clients' bodies.
I can observe how they move. I can listen to what they tell me. I can use research and clinical experience to guide them.
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But only they know what their body is feeling in that moment.
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Exercise Is Both Science and Art
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I love the science of exercise.
Research gives us incredible guidance, and I rely on it every day.
But movement is also an art.
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It's learning to notice when your body is ready for a little more challenge—and when today calls for something different.
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It's understanding the difference between healthy effort and simply pushing because you think you should.
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That's not something I can prescribe.
It's something you learn by paying attention.
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Maybe We're Asking the Wrong Question
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Instead of asking,
"How much should I do?"
what if we asked,
"What would feel like enough for my body today?"
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Enough challenge to become stronger.
Enough movement to feel better.
Enough that you'll want to come back tomorrow.
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Because consistency isn't built by doing the most.
It's built by doing enough.

A Different Way to Think About Movement
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Watch children on a playground.
They aren't counting repetitions or wondering if they've done enough.
They're exploring.
Playing.
Moving because it feels good.
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Somewhere along the way, many of us lose that relationship with movement.
We replace curiosity with rules.
We replace enjoyment with obligation.
Maybe it's time to rediscover a little of that curiosity.
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That's exactly why I created the AI Self-Reflection Questions.
Not to tell you what to do.
But to help you ask better questions.
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So here's the one I'd encourage you to carry with you this week:
What would feel like enough for my body today?
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Not enough according to your watch.
Not enough according to social media.
Enough for your body.
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That answer may change tomorrow.
And that's okay.
Your body isn't inconsistent.
It's alive.
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If you'd like to revisit Better Movement Starts With Better Questions or explore the AI Self-Reflection Questions, I've included the details below by simply clicking the workbook cover.
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Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

P.S. If you'd like to see what this looks like in real life, I recently shared a YouTube video where I put these same principles into practice myself. ​

Watch Here