When Motivation for Exercise Disappears: Finding Meaning in Slower Seasons of Movement

amy monroe
Mar 6
3 min read

Every year, around this time, something small reminds me that winter doesn’t last forever.

On a recent walk with a client, I spotted the first crocus pushing up through the frosty ground. Their tiny purple faces always feel like a quiet celebration of resilience. No matter how cold or gray the season has been, they show up anyway.

Each year they remind me that we are part of cycles too.

Whatever season we are in—whether it’s a season of growth, rest, motivation, or pause—eventually the metaphorical crocus shows up again.

When Motivation for Exercise Disappears

Let me be honest.

In this late stretch of winter, I’ve been in a bit of a movement slump myself.

Between snow days, kids home from school, family colds, and frigid temperatures, my motivation has taken a little vacation (I hope she's in Florida).

But here's the thing: I'm not going to feel bad about it.

One of the biggest misconceptions about fitness is that we should feel motivated all the time. But real life—and real health—doesn’t work like that.

There are seasons where the squat rack gets a lot of love, and there are seasons where things slow down.

Movement Doesn't Always Look Like a Workout

Even though I haven't been chasing PRs lately, I’ve been finding joy in some quieter activities.

Things like:

playing dice games with my kids
sketching out imaginary landscape designs for our yard
mapping out garden plans (pure fantasy — I definitely don’t have a green thumb)

These moments may not look like traditional “exercise,” but they still bring connection, creativity, and restoration.

And that counts for something.

Rethinking What Counts as Movement

One of the most powerful mindset shifts we can make around fitness is expanding our definition of movement.

Movement isn’t only:

heavy lifting
structured workouts
intense cardio sessions

Movement also includes:

walking with a friend
stretching in the morning
gardening
playing with your kids
carrying groceries
exploring outside

In slower seasons especially, these forms of movement often become the foundation that keeps us connected to our bodies.

They may not feel like big progress—but they keep the rhythm alive.

The Value of Slower Fitness Seasons

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling guilty during a low-motivation season, you’re not alone.

But these slower seasons can actually serve an important purpose.

They give our bodies and nervous systems space to:

recover
reconnect with joy
explore movement without pressure
reflect on what we actually enjoy

And sometimes they help us remember why we move in the first place.

Not just for goals or numbers on a barbell, but because movement supports our lives.

A Small Reflection Practice

If you're in a slower movement season right now, try this simple reflection.

Instead of focusing on what you aren’t doing, ask yourself:

What movement is already happening in my life right now?

Maybe it's:

walking the dog
cleaning the house
playing with your kids
stretching before bed
walking through the neighborhood noticing the first signs of spring

When we start to notice these moments, we begin to see that movement is already woven into our lives.

And that awareness can gently guide us back toward more intentional exercise when the season shifts again.

The Crocus Always Comes Back

Eventually the weather warms.

Energy returns.

The gym calls your name again.

And just like the crocus pushing through frozen ground, motivation shows up again too.

Until then, it’s okay to honor the season you’re in.

Slower doesn’t mean failing.

Sometimes slower is simply part of the cycle.

If You're Looking for Support

If you're someone who wants to build a sustainable relationship with strength training and movement, my coaching programs are designed to help you stay consistent through all seasons—not just the highly motivated ones.

Inside my programs we focus on: