Romanticizing Movement
How to Fall in Love With Working Out Again
The impending feeling of dread before going to the gym is real. Burnout is real. A lack of motivation is real. What makes it even harder is opening a phone and seeing thousands of fitness vloggers and influencers posting their tenth intense training session in a row. How do they do it? How are they not burnt out? With fitness and dieting culture taking over the internet, the pressure surrounding traditional workouts can feel overwhelming. It’s time to break that pressure down and offer a solution—one that opens the door to actually looking forward to moving the body.
Before getting to the hack of how to love working out, it helps to understand why traditional workouts can hold people back. The simple definition of a “workout” is often believed to be long and intense, and that idea alone commonly pushes people away. Workout culture promotes consistency, strict schedules, and constantly pushing harder to feel stronger. While that can be beneficial to an extent, the baseline often results in guilt, fear of inconsistency, and intimidation. This creates a negative perspective on fitness altogether, leading many to think, “If I’m not doing enough, why do it at all?”
With that mindset, movement begins to feel like a chore. That’s why incorporating alternatives to the gym can help maintain consistent, active movement. Not only should those alternatives be embraced, but traditional gym culture can also be tailored to the individual and, most importantly, romanticized.
Romanticizing working out means taking small initiatives that bring joy and create something to look forward to. It starts with reframing how movement fits into everyday life. For instance, walking daily can completely change the pressure to fit in a formal workout. It allows the day to begin with excitement rather than obligation. Walking improves both physical and mental well-being, whether it’s a simple stroll or paired with a workout afterward. It offers flexibility: tuning out with music or a podcast, responding to emails, making to-do lists, or brainstorming ideas. Even walking to the gym can be a game changer, making it feel like the workout has already begun and easing the pressure to train intensely for long periods.
Another way to romanticize working out is through a cute workout outfit. Feeling good in what’s worn and being excited to put it on instantly boosts mood and sets the tone for the day. A matching set has a way of making anyone feel stronger and more motivated. That philosophy is exactly why JIV ATHLETICS was created—to make women feel confident, comfortable, and supported while working out, so they can focus on movement instead of adjusting their clothes. When someone feels supported and confident, showing up becomes easier.
Music also plays a huge role. Creating a playlist that makes someone feel empowered, energized, and inspired can transform a workout into something enjoyable. Fun, upbeat music can make movement feel like a privilege rather than a chore.
Trying new workout classes is another way to stay motivated and connected. Pilates, hot yoga, and other classes create a sense of community and remove the pressure of planning a routine. All that’s required is showing up, working hard, and having fun. Class packs are helpful too, offering flexibility without the pressure of committing to multiple days each week.
Of course, life gets busy and that’s okay. If a workout or long walk doesn’t happen, it’s not a failure. Movement can be as simple as chasing after kids, doing household chores, or having a ten-minute dance party in the kitchen. The goal is to romanticize everyday life. Suddenly, workouts, walks, and personal routines become something to look forward to rather than something that feels mandatory. When that mindset shifts, both mental and physical clarity naturally follow.
