In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss the challenges of creating habits around consistent exercise routines, especially as motivation fades after New Year’s resolutions. They emphasize starting small, using accountability, and creating habits through simple cues and systems rather than relying on motivation. The hosts share practical health tips for integrating movement into daily life, highlight the importance of enjoyment and social support, and debunk myths about needing fancy equipment. They encourage listeners to “just press play,” focus on progress over perfection, and join their supportive Jen Health community for help in creating habits that last to overcome consistent pain and aches.

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Just Press Play Discount!

Have you been putting starting your new exercise or movement routine on pause for too long?! Come join us because now is the time to "Just Press Play!" Take the toughest step and just start one video. I promise you'll feel the difference in your body and come back for more! Listeners get a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL at checkout.

We think you’ll love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/448

What you'll learn:

02:11 Common barriers to starting routines and why motivation alone isn’t enough.

04:13 Why people procrastinate exercise and how to overcome feeling stuck.

07:45 Addressing fears of insufficient effort and debunking the 21-day habit myth; real habit formation takes 2–5 months.

09:47 Examples of starting small, using accountability, and how habits grow over time.

12:30 How to attach new habits to daily cues, with practical movement examples for busy lives.

14:51 Incorporating movement into parenting and playtime, making exercise part of family routines.

17:51 The importance of accountability partners, consistent timing, and following a plan to maintain exercise habits.

20:21 Why enjoyment and personal value are key to sustaining movement habits, not guilt or obligation.

22:29 Research-backed advice to prioritize...

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