Revision exercise: When the movement looks different

“How do you exercise?”

It’s a simple question, right?

Often they ask with good intentions. But for many people living with a chronic illness or disability, the answer is surprisingly difficult.

Because for many people, exercise doesn’t seem like what we’ve been taught.

It doesn’t always involve the gym, jogging or structured exercise. It is not always appropriate. And some days, it might not happen at all.

In mainstream health culture, exercise is often viewed as something that should be intense, regular, and progressive. The message is clear: push yourself, get stronger, do better.

But for those living with variable health conditions, this attitude can be not only unrealistic, but sometimes harmful.

After learning about energy management and the importance of rest, the question naturally arises:

What role does movement really play when your body has limitations?

The problem with traditional fitness advice

Most exercise advice assumes that the body is predictable and stable.

Plans are built around consistency. Progress is measured by more performance – more repetitions, more time, more intensity.

But for people living with chronic illness, energy levels can fluctuate daily, sometimes hourly

After rigorous training sessions can lead to excessive stress, increased symptoms and periods of familiarity.

This often makes people feel like they are failing at something that was designed for them in the first place.

When movement feels out of reach

For many, the problem is not a lack of motivation.

This is the reality of symptoms.

Fatigue, pain, dizziness, weakness, or neurological symptoms can affect even small movements. Some days, getting out of bed already feels like an achievement.

This can create a sense of detachment from traditional ideas of fitness.

There are such thoughts as:

“It doesn’t count as exercise.”

“I need to do more.”

“I used to be able to do more than that.”

These thoughts can lead to frustration, comparison, and the feeling that movement must be a certain way to be right.

Redefining motion

Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be meaningful.

It doesn’t have to be structured to be profitable.

And it doesn’t have to be the same every day.

For people living with chronic illness, movement can be defined as anything that supports the body in a gentle and stable way.

This may include:

• Lying in bed
• Slow, short steps
• Seated exercises
• Light household activities
• Gardening
• Change positions regularly

These forms of movement may seem small, but they can play an important role in keeping blood flowing and making the body feel less restrictive.

Most importantly, they are adaptable.

Movement as support, not punishment

One of the most important changes is changing the intention behind the movement.

In traditional fitness culture, exercise is often seen as something to be had – even when it’s difficult.

For people with chronic illness, this mindset can lead to setbacks.

Instead, movement can be approached as a way of supporting the body rather than pushing it beyond its limits.

This means listening to the body’s signals.

This means stopping before exhaustion.

This means making the movement feel gentle rather than forced.

Practical ways to incorporate movement

Movement should not be an all or nothing activity.

Small, consistent actions can be more beneficial than random bursts of intense effort.

Start from where you are:

What is manageable today may be different tomorrow. This is good.

Keep it short and sweet:

Even a few minutes of movement is enough.

Pair movement with daily activities:

Gentle runs, short walks or simple tasks can all count.

Avoid comparisons:

Movement is personal. What works for one person may not work for another.

Redefining progress

Progress is often measured in tangible gains—distance, strength, endurance.

But for many people living with chronic illness, progress looks different.

This can be similar to maintaining momentum.

It seems to reduce the tension.

It seems to move without triggering the fire.

These are meaningful forms of progress.

Because the goal is not to push the body to its limits.

The goal is to support it in a sustainable way.

Another way forward

Movement should not be about performance.

It doesn’t have to be about tension.

And it doesn’t have to meet the expectations of others.

For people living with a chronic illness or disability, movement can be calm, gentle, and adaptive.

It can be something that fits into life rather than something that takes it away.

Because being healthy is not about doing everything.

It’s about getting what supports your body – the way your body needs it.

And sometimes, that means redefining the movement.

Quotes:

World Health Organization. (2023). Physical activity and health guidelines.

NICE guidelines. (2021). Chronic disease management and rehabilitation.