In this episode, Nikki is joined by nutrition and fitness coach Carissa Stewart to talk about why exercising consistently is hard, especially when you're hypermobile, chronically ill or have a complicated body.

Topics covered:

• Why motivation matters, how chronic pain can reinforce the tendency to avoid exercise, and what you can do about it.

• Why treating exercise like a habit can set us up to struggle MORE with consistency and what to do instead.

• How flare plans and exercise substitutions help you continue to move forward if you experience body challenges.

• How to adapt your workout with less mind drama when you experience pain, injury, or flare-ups.

• How to measure progress if you're hypermobile or chronically ill beyond weight lifted, sets, and reps.

Connect with Carissa Stewart

• Instagram: @carissaleighcoaching

Connect with Nikki Naab-Levy

• Instagram: @naablevyfitness

• Website: naablevy.com

• Get your FREE personalized strength plan: https://naablevy.com/find-your-perfect-strength-plan-quiz/

• Get your free macros and calories calculator + guide: https://naablevy.com/macro-guide/

Episode Timestamps:

03:26 | Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation and why "you just need discipline" is wrong
06:02 | Why motivation more complicated when exercise causes pain and symptoms
12:56 | Why exercise isn't a habit (and what it actually is)
15:01 | Why exercise may take additional mental effort if you're neurodivergent

17:08 | Using backup plans and exercise substitutions, so a flare-up doesn't derail your workout

24:52 | How to adapt your workout when your body isn't cooperating without the mental spiral

32:20 | How to measure progress when you have a complicated body

44:04 | How to ask for help after bad experiences and set expectations with friends and family