In this coaching case study, I break down how to shift an aversion into something that excites you.
It’s beyond dispute that exercise is important and beneficial for all humans. The body is designed to move, and the physical benefits of exercise are well-established. But the benefits of exercise extend beyond the physical.
Exercise gives us a dopamine hit that helps boost our moods, ignites focus, and helps us feel connected to ourselves. This is important for everyone, but especially for people with ADHD. We rely on that dopamine to have base-level functionality.
Yet knowing the benefits of something doesn’t make it easier to do it. People with ADHD especially need a deeper motivating force.
And some people just abhor the idea of exercise.
What do you do if that’s you?
The short answer is: you name it something else.
Here’s a case study.
Case Study: Client Loathing Exercise
I recently worked with a client who expressed his unequivocal loathing for exercise. He hated gym culture, the pretentiousness of the fitness industry, and the self-righteousness around exercise culture. He didn’t understand how anyone could love it enough to make it a hobby.
He knew all the ways exercise was good for him and could benefit him and help his ADHD. Knowing this did not change how he felt. It rarely does.
I, of course, have not missed a daily workout in over 11 years. For me, exercise and working out is a crucial component of my day; I feel like I cannot exist without it.
But my role as a coach is not to convince a client; it’s to uncover what’s motivating — or demotivating them.
The Power of Rebranding
After some questioning, my client revealed that he actually does enjoy moving his body:
He is an avid snowboarder. He loves to hike. He walks his dog. He enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee.
I pointed out that many people would consider these activities to be “exercise” or “forms of fitness.”
But for this client, they are just forms of play.
Play is a much better way to think about these activities, especially for someone with ADHD. Play is fun. Play is variety. Play is stimulating.
Play is something he wants to do.
Semantics is Everything
You might be quick to dismiss this as an issue of “semantics.” But semantics matters. The labels we give things, the names we call things, the words we use — they shape how we feel about the thing.
That’s why branding is a multi-billion dollar industry.
If you find yourself loathing exercise — or anything else — re-brand it. Give it a name that will appeal to you.
Love it? Hate it? What do you think? Don't hold back...