Understand your “Movement Why” for lasting motivation
Have you ever felt stuck when it comes to moving more? Maybe you've followed a training program or joined a group, but your enthusiasm faded. Have you set a goal to move more, only to lose momentum after a few weeks? Or perhaps you want to be more active but feel overwhelmed by the options and unsure where to start? You're not alone.
The fitness industry bombards us with messages about what we "should" be doing. But real, lasting motivation doesn’t come from external pressure—it comes from within. That’s why one of the most powerful things you can do is answer the question: Why do I want to move?
Understanding your deeper reason for movement—your ‘movement why’—can help you build a practice that is meaningful, sustainable, and enjoyable.
What’s a “Movement Why”?
Your “movement why” is your personal reason for engaging in physical activity. It’s about what truly matters to you. Knowing your why connects your movement practice to your values and priorities, and movement becomes something that you want to do.
For some, the "why" is about health and longevity—staying active and independent for years to come. For others, it’s about joy and play—dancing, hiking, or engaging in activities that bring them happiness. It could be about connection, whether that’s keeping up with kids, joining group activities, or spending time in nature.
Whatever your reason, making it personal makes it powerful.
Why knowing your "Why" changes everything
Intrinsic motivation—doing something because it’s personally meaningful—is shown to be more effective for long-term habits than extrinsic motivation - like weight loss or external validation. Here’s how understanding your movement why helps:
Boosts motivation: When movement is tied to something that genuinely matters to you, it’s easier to stay engaged, even on tough days.
Encourages consistency – A meaningful "why" helps us stick with movement. It becomes a lifelong habit rather than a short-lived challenge or trend.
Helps you prioritise: Knowing your "why" helps you focus on the movement that aligns with your goals and say no to activities that don’t. For example, if your goal is to enjoy hiking for years to come, you don’t need to chase the latest fitness trend promising a "six-pack in six weeks."
Creates flexibility & freedom – A strong "why" provides a framework without rigidity. If your why is "to feel good in my body and mind," there are many ways to achieve that, giving you the freedom to adapt and explore different movement styles over time without needing strict rules.
Finding your own “Movement Why”
Defining your “movement why” doesn’t have to be complicated, and just a few minutes reflecting on it can be helpful.
Start by reflecting on movement, and what’s important to you. Here are a few questions to think about
What do I value in my life? (like family, health, adventure, confidence)
How could movement support those values?
What movement practice does my future self need me to start today?
Do I want my movement to serve a specific purpose (like training for an event, being active with children and grandchildren, aging well)?
Your “why” doesn’t have to be profound. It just needs to resonate with you. Here are some examples:
I want to
feel energised and strong throughout the day.
stay active and independent as I get older.
manage chronic pain or a health condition.
learn new skills and challenge myself physically and mentally
bring more play and joy in my life
explore nature through outdoor activities
stay connected to others with group activities
The most powerful “why” will be personal to you, and will evolve over time. My own centres on connection, with others, nature and myself.
Turning your why into how
Once you’ve identified your purpose - why you move - you can bring it to life! Your values—such as fun, connection, or personal growth—can guide the types of movement and activities that you choose.
Here are some examples of turning the “why’ into “how”:
If your "why" is to feel energised, try morning walks and short bursts of activity to break up sedentary time.
If your "why" is to connect with loved ones, consider partner workouts and family activities.
If your "why" is to feel calm and grounded, you might prioritise walking in nature and gentle yoga, even if everyone around you is raving about spin classes or CrossFit.
If your "why" is to keep up with your kids or grandkids, strength training and mobility work could be key.
If your “why” is to enjoy mountain adventures you might prioritise a strength and endurance plan for hiking and skiing.
Your purpose will evolve over time - reflect on it from time to time to make sure it resonates.
Balancing your "Why" with what your body needs
Your Movement Why gives you a personal reason to move, but when it comes to health and longevity, there are some key components to fitness that we know make a real difference to our health and longevity.
For example, strength training helps maintain muscle mass, plyometrics enhance bone health, which is especially crucial for women, cardiovascular work keeps the heart and lungs strong, and skills such as balance, agility, and coordination help us move well and safely. Your Movement Why and these key fitness components can complement each other, allowing you to build a practice that is both meaningful and effective.
Think of it as a flexible structure rather than a strict plan. If running in the hills brings you joy, adding full-body strength training can help you stay injury-free and maintain your endurance for years to come. If lifting weights is your passion, weaving in some cardio ensures your heart is as strong as your muscles.
Your Why can get you started and shape your choices, while these key components ensure you can keep moving well for life. The key is to integrate them in a way that feels good to you, creating a movement practice that aligns with your values while supporting your long-term health.
Final thoughts: Your "Why" is the key to lifelong movement
When movement is tied to a meaningful reason, it stops feeling like a chore on the to-do list and starts feeling like an essential part of your life.
So what’s your movement why? Try taking a few minutes to reflect on what’s important to you. You might find the spark to get moving more, in ways that you enjoy.
Your "why" doesn’t have to be perfect, profound or permanent - it just needs to matter to you right now.
If you’re willing to share yours in the comments below I’d love to hear from you!
Need help with your why?
If you’d like more support, I can help! As a movement coach, I work with people to:
Discover their unique "movement why." Everyone has their own and I”m here to help with that.
Turn their why into a personalised movement plan that fits with their life.
If you’d like to find your movement why and a plan that sticks, get in touch today.