Why do you move? To keep physically fit? To help improve your mental health? To give you a sense of achievement or purpose? Whatever your reason, there are so many known benefits to exercising regularly: from helping you focus to improving your energy levels.
But while most of us know we should exercise, sometimes, the hardest part is finding the motivation to move in the first place. Here, we ask six expert Nike coaches why they move and, most importantly, how it makes them feel.
Dora Atim, running coach and founder of Ultra Black Running
What motivates you to exercise?
‘Other than it being my profession, it truly is my superpower! When I’m feeling stressed, I run. When I’m feeling elated, I run. When I’m feeling somewhere in the middle, I still run. The people around and the wonderful running community I’m part of really get me going through ALL the seasons – especially those periods when I’m not so motivated.’
How do you find time to move?
‘I love when I get this question because when I first got into the profession, I thought I’d be able to fit all the exercise I wanted into my daily routine. Now, it’s something I have to carve the time out for, otherwise it can fall down the priority list. I’m most energetic in the morning, so I’m strict about getting some training in before my busy day starts.’
What do you want everyone to know about keeping fit?
‘That you don’t need to train to become a machine; do what makes you feel good and ride that wave. Make it yours and embrace the journey, not the destination.’
Rowen Aida, fitness trainer and Mindful Movement advocate
What is your favourite form of movement?
‘It’s hard to choose between indoor cycling and Pilates. The combination serves me in so many ways. Cycle for its high intensity, playful and high-energy vibes. And Pilates, not only for strengthening my core but also for building a stronger mind-body connection.’
Why do you move?
‘Movement is a way for me to connect to my strongest, most confident self. The moment I start to move, I feel my energy shift in such beautiful ways. It’s also my easiest access to the present moment; it helps me dim my thoughts simply be present.’
What do you want everyone to know about keeping fit?
‘That when we shift our focus to moving our body to feel good, instead of putting pressure on the way we should look, it gets so much easier and is more fun to show up.’
Aurélie Louis-Alexandre, vinyasa, prenatal and yin yoga instructor
What is your favourite form of movement?
‘Yoga, cycling and running. But out of the three, yoga is my biggest love and far more than “just” exercise. I love the feeling I have every time I step on my yoga mat, a sense of coming home and returning back to my true self.’
How does yoga make you feel?
‘It makes me feel strong, almost invincible, like nothing can stop me. But at the same time, reminds me that I have weaknesses I can work on.’
What do you want everyone to know about keeping fit?
‘As long as you are doing it for you, it is great for the body and mind – the rest will follow.’
Alex Hipwell, founder of Lifting Women Online Coaching
Why do you move?
‘My “yesterday me” is my motivation – sounds cheesy but I want to be better than her. Not just in performance but in everyday decisions.’
How do you find time to fit exercise into your daily routine?
‘I schedule exercise as an appointment. Then, if my day fills up, I still show up for myself. I am a better version of myself when I don't cancel what matters.'
What do you want everyone to know about keeping fit?
‘There are no rules. Exercise will always matter and always impact your health and longevity. You get to decide how that looks for you.’
Marlene Schmitt, co-founder of Yoga On The Move
Why do you move?
‘In my daily practice, I have small goals that I am working towards, like handstands. The bigger picture of what motivates me to move is that every time I do, I feel like I get to know myself better – I learn the language of my body and start to communicate with it in a more intimate way.’
How do you find time to fit exercise into your daily routine?
‘Every morning, no matter how busy the day is, I sit on my yoga mat and meditate. After meditation, I do some mindful movements to connect to my body and create space for the day. Then, depending on my schedule, I cycle to work, meet friends for yoga in the evening or run on the weekends. I like the variety of movements, so each day looks different. I really try to listen to my body’s needs.’
What do you want everyone to know about keeping fit?
‘Your body and mind are interconnected, so if you move your body, your mind follows. If you have a bad day or a difficult period in your life, try to move and see how you feel afterwards. Because in those times you need it more than ever.’
Sam Vora, yoga teacher & health coach
What is your favourite form of movement?
"My first love is Yoga as it's been integral to understanding my body and an irreplaceable tool in supporting my mental health - especially as a young carer."
How do you find time to fit exercise into your daily routine?
"Living in a city can be quite overwhelming so I've taken more of an intuitive approach that allows me to let my body dictate what I need, rather than my mind. I consider it essential self-care, so I fit in walking and cycling as much as possible. I try to honour my body's need for different types of movement without feeling guilty for having slower days and finding gentle strength and gratitude within those."
How does movement make you feel?
"I feel empowered after any form of movement. It always humbles me to see the strength I have when I've been lacking motivation prior to exercising. For me, it's therapy."
Discover why you move with Nike
Looking for more inspiration? These are just a few of the empowering Nike coaches taking part in ELLE's new podcast Why I...Move - listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts
