They talk as if exercise is something that will fix all the problems and is something that suits everything.

Here’s the thing. This doesn’t work for everyone.

It has never worked for me.

Back when I was at school, I was bullied by teachers & students in PE, exercise such as walking means I can’t walk the next day, due to one condition I’m not allowed to get my heart rate up too high or I’m at risk of stroke, yoga is out due to the up down movement, plus I don’t find I get a dopamine hit from it. I also can’t catch a ball so most team sports are out. I have had personal trainers cause injury to my joints because they kept telling me to ‘push through’ instead of listening when I said I couldn’t do something.

Whenever I speak up about this, such as ringing in to talkback radio to present an alternative view, the experts double down and insist that exercise is amazing for everyone and I just haven’t found the right exercise/support, but they never tell me where to go to find it! It’s not as if I haven’t looked – seen exercise physiologists, as well as tried so many different things over the years. They leave me feeling awful & like a failure as my coordination is bad, as well as other limitations many, like personal trainers, see as an excuse.

I know that exercise is great for many people, for their mental health, it’s not for everyone. I wish there was more acknowledgement of that, and support for those who struggle…

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