Finding your “why” with Jillian Michaels

Plus, an affordable dumbbell set and quotes from real people on what inspires them to workout.

IN a nutshell Hello, and happy Friday, everyone! Most weekends, all I want to do is plop on the couch and play video games. So today's edition hits extra close to home. Below, we share our favorite clips from Gabe Howard's chat with Jillian Michaels who highlights the intersection of physical and mental health and helps us "find our why." After that, we're covering: • An affordable at-home dumbbell set • People weigh in on why they exercise • 6 ways to reduce water retention • Physical symptoms of anxiety Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota July 21, 2023 • 6 min read

Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast host Gabe Howard scored the chance to chat with world renowned personal trainer, businesswoman, author, and television personality Jillian Michaels. Read some of the best quotes from this episode below. *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: The way we manage our physical health changes over time, which can affect our mental health as well. What are your thoughts on how folks can navigate this experience as they age? A: First of all, it's about meeting people where they're at, right? Like everything in life, there's a spectrum of where people begin and advance on their journey with anything. So don't be intimidated if you're starting out by walking around the block with your dog. The second piece of this is that a lot of people think that aging is this foregone conclusion, and it's this slow descent into decrepitude, but that isn't the case. It's never too late. You can take control over any aspect of your health at any point. And I think it's really important that people know that. Q: Let's talk about those action steps, and let's talk about this concept of "as soon as you choose to." How do you do that? A: It's about slowly making good choice after good choice, or better choice after better choice, then that trend reverses and over time gains forward momentum. A body in motion tends to stay in motion, figuratively and literally. The number one question I get is: "How do I get motivated?" Motivation is something that has to come from inside of you. Inspiration is something that comes from outside of you –– it's a podcast you heard, a book you read, a show you watched on TV and you identified with the protagonist. Then you went, "Oh my God, if they can do it, I can do it," right? While inspiration can jump-start the car, we've got to have something to keep it going. This really does come down to, as cliché as it's become to say this, your "why." You really need to take time and think about [that]. Q: How do you help people find their "why"? A: You're going to ask a bunch of questions. I mean, that's what I would do to anybody I work with. What do you see happening if you put in the work? What are you actually showing up here for? What does "healthier" look like? What is your fantasy of feeling more comfortable? Did something scare you straight? How did that make you feel? Do you want to vow never to feel that way again? Is it a sense of control? Is it feeling more confident at work, professionally, in your romantic relationships? Are you more comfortable going out dancing with your friends, or are you excited to meet your great grandchildren? I think you really have to start thinking about what it looks like in detail, how your life is going to improve, and how it's going to feel. But it requires asking yourself those questions and taking the time to do some soul searching. Click here to listen to the full interview on our Inside Mental Health podcast. And don't forget to scroll down to the end of this email to rate this interview!

great finds Editor faves with health perks       Amazon Basics Neoprene Workout Dumbbell This dumbbell set has over 83,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.8 stars. Why is it so great, you ask? You get three weights for under $50 that are long lasting with a neoprene coating. They also won't roll away when you put them down since they're hexagonal. This set includes 2-, 3-, and 5-pound weights, but there are varying weight sets up to 20 pounds. If you're in the market for an affordable beginning dumbbell set, consider picking up this one. Pun intended. Shop now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.

Weird Science Quotes on what motivates people to keep moving I'll be honest, reading glossy inspirational quotes on Instagram doesn't help. But hearing people's reasons for exercising? That hits differently and makes me want to get up and start moving. Get a nice dose of movement motivation folks who share their "why" below: • Mary Holtschneider, 58, educator and Pilates instructor: "I believe exercise has saved me throughout my life, as it has kept me healthy, happy, and able to bounce back from any adverse situation. Seven years ago, I had a massive pulmonary embolism followed by a cardiac arrest, and I recovered quickly and fully. I believe my commitment to regular exercise certainly helped me get better and continues to keep me healthy!" • Brian Nguyen, 46, father and athletic performance coach: "I exercise to honor life. I have lost loved ones that [have inspired] me to keep myself and others LIVING and MOVING!" • Nehemiah Owusu, 26, master trainer and nutrition coach: "Through exercise, I've developed success traits, such as work ethic, discipline, confidence, and accomplishment. It also gives me what feels like unlimited energy and the ability to do daily tasks and recreational activities almost effortlessly." • Maxi Blasini, 31, justice organizer and health coach: "Intentional movement and exercise are my primary tools for coping with stress. They provide an outlet for creative physical energy, and I find inspiration and focus after a movement or exercise session." Tell us: What motivates you to exercise? Share your quote with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!)

health stories you need What we're reading next 💧 6 ways to reduce water retention. Raise your puffy hands if you're holding water weight. (You can't see, but my fluid-filled fingers are in the air.) Check these tips for releasing some of it. 🔎 When and how to get screened for cervical cancer. Early cancer detection can save lives. Know the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's guidelines to protect your health. 💩 Can intermittent fasting help IBS? We discuss the potential effects of intermittent fasting on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other home remedies that may help relieve symptoms. 💥 Physical symptoms of anxiety. Learn some of the common physical manifestations of anxiety in the body and how to cope when they strike.

Thanks for reading! If you made it this far, give yourself a high five on behalf of all of us here on the newsletter team. We appreciate you. Enjoy the rest of your day, and we'll see you again on Wednesday.

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