What does “listen to your body” mean?


Reader,

“Listen to your body.”

We hear this advice often, but it can be hard to know what to listen for—especially when movement feels uncomfortable. What are you feeling? And what do you make of it?

In Tuesday’s Move Smart, Feel Better webinar, Should I Keep Going? How to Know What to Do When Movement Hurts, we worked through a four-part framework:

The first part, Notice, deserves a closer look.

A recent study explored how four aspects of body awareness relate to physical activity. The researchers used parts of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-2) that ask about listening to body signals, worrying about discomfort, using attention to the body to steady oneself, and trusting body sensations.

The questionnaire includes statements such as “I start to worry that something is wrong if I feel any discomfort” and “I trust my body sensations.” You can notice a sensation and notice your response to it.

The study found different patterns among college students and community adults. It cannot tell us whether body awareness causes people to be more active, but the questionnaire offers a useful starting point for your own reflection.

Something to try this week: During a walk, an exercise or another familiar movement, take one brief moment to notice:

  • Body Listening: What am I feeling, where, and when does it show up? Am I giving that signal any attention?
  • Not-Worrying: What is my first thought about the sensation? Am I immediately concerned, or am I able to stay curious?
  • Self-Regulation: Does paying attention to my body or breathing help me feel steadier, or does it feel difficult today?
  • Trusting: How much confidence do I have in what I’m noticing?

You don’t need to monitor every sensation or answer every question. Choose one that feels useful and see what you learn about your own Notice step.

If you’d like to see how Explore, Adjust and Reassess build on noticing, the webinar replay includes a guided movement experiment you can try for yourself. It’s available inside The MedFit Movement Studio. Join the free MoveNOW membership to watch the replay!

Stay well and happy moving,

Lisa

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Supporting you in your physical activity journey.

Together, we will use thoughtful and considerate movement to reprogram how you live in your body. Let's teach your brain to soften the intensity, and to grow your own ease.
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​Using exercise science, kinesiology, and yoga therapy, we can find a place that will not only allow you to move better and move more, but also increase the quality of your life.

​www.lisaworkman.com​

Medical Fitness Consulting

Struggling to stay consistent with movement? Each week you’ll get relatable stories, practical strategies, and uplifting tips to help you move smarter, feel better, and bring more wellness into your daily life.

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