EP75 - How Fitness Rules Might Be Holding You Back (and Why "Enough" Is Actually Enough)
Mon Nov 10 2025
In this episode, we break down some of the most common fitness "rules" — like needing a one-hour workout or hitting 10,000 steps — and explore how they may actually be discouraging consistency rather than supporting it. We talk about where these rules really came from, what the research actually says, and how to reframe your approach to fitness so it supports your life, not overwhelms it.
I also share part of my own postpartum journey and how doing 15–30 minute workouts in my living room helped me rebuild strength, confidence, and self-compassion long before I returned to longer gym sessions.
This episode is your reminder that your effort counts — even when it's not perfect.
In This Episode, We Explore: Why "fitness rules" like 1-hour workouts and 10,000 steps became mainstream
The difference between doing something and doing everything
How the all-or-nothing mindset holds us back
Why consistency always beats intensity over time
How I rebuilt my fitness postpartum with 15–30 minute sessions
Simple ways to make movement fit your life (not the other way around)
Key Takeaways The 1-hour workout rule is a scheduling invention, not a physiological requirement.
The 10,000-step goal started as a marketing campaign, not a health recommendation.
Short workouts absolutely count — and often lead to better consistency.
Your body adapts to what you do regularly, not what you do perfectly.
"Enough" movement varies day to day — and that's okay.
Mentioned in the Episode More coaching support + resources: https://fitwitheik.com
Book a 1:1 Clarity Coaching Session: https://fitwitheik.com/coaching
Connect with Me Instagram: @fitwitheik
Personal Instagram: @eikgylfadottir
Podcast community + updates: https://fitwitheik.com/blog
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share — it means the world and helps others find the show. 💛
See you in the next one — and remember:
It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be today's version of enough.
More
In this episode, we break down some of the most common fitness "rules" — like needing a one-hour workout or hitting 10,000 steps — and explore how they may actually be discouraging consistency rather than supporting it. We talk about where these rules really came from, what the research actually says, and how to reframe your approach to fitness so it supports your life, not overwhelms it. I also share part of my own postpartum journey and how doing 15–30 minute workouts in my living room helped me rebuild strength, confidence, and self-compassion long before I returned to longer gym sessions. This episode is your reminder that your effort counts — even when it's not perfect. In This Episode, We Explore: Why "fitness rules" like 1-hour workouts and 10,000 steps became mainstream The difference between doing something and doing everything How the all-or-nothing mindset holds us back Why consistency always beats intensity over time How I rebuilt my fitness postpartum with 15–30 minute sessions Simple ways to make movement fit your life (not the other way around) Key Takeaways The 1-hour workout rule is a scheduling invention, not a physiological requirement. The 10,000-step goal started as a marketing campaign, not a health recommendation. Short workouts absolutely count — and often lead to better consistency. Your body adapts to what you do regularly, not what you do perfectly. "Enough" movement varies day to day — and that's okay. Mentioned in the Episode More coaching support + resources: https://fitwitheik.com Book a 1:1 Clarity Coaching Session: https://fitwitheik.com/coaching Connect with Me Instagram: @fitwitheik Personal Instagram: @eikgylfadottir Podcast community + updates: https://fitwitheik.com/blog If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share — it means the world and helps others find the show. 💛 See you in the next one — and remember: It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be today's version of enough.