I was really interested to see what information and tips would be included in this book. I know I have a problem with moderation - I'm either 0 or 100 with anything I do, and this includes exercise but also my hobbies. For example, I read approximately one book a day and don't do anything else with my spare time, rather than doing a little bit of multiple things. I've been wanting to find some balance and to increase my overall activity level, as I think that would personally benefit me more than trying to do short, intense exercise multiple times a week. So when I saw this audiobook ALC on NetGalley, it felt like perfect timing. I wanted to understand if there were some psychological strategies that I could employ to get more functional movement into my day and to dig into what was stopping me doing that already.

This book gave me that. It went through 44 reasons that someone might put off exercise. These scenarios were very varied. Not all of them will apply to every person but I'd be very surprised if someone read or listened to this book and didn’t connect to at least 10 of them! I felt like a lot of the scenarios fit my life to a tee - feeling exhausted after sedentary but mentally intensive days at work, choosing to spend my evening time doing crafting and reading (a very specific scenario but which is one of my main reasons for not moving), menopause/perimenopause, dealing with chronic pain (migraines in my case), phone addiction etc. It was shocking to realise how much time those things all take away from exercise and general daily movement, and there were some great strategies and tips introduced for addressing those reasons.

The audiobook is narrated by the two authors, and they have friendly, encouraging voices. Nothing they say ever comes across as patronising or strict. I enjoyed being able to pause the audiobook and make notes and answer their questions in my notebook. There are quite a few reflective sections, particularly near the beginning of the book, which get you thinking about your own motivations, habits and values. Doing this makes you actively involved rather than just passively reading or listening to the book, and it meant that I took away a lot of strategies that are personal to me and are more likely to be successful as a result!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Listener Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

This is such a great book, chock-full of practical advice on how to get ourselves moving more without sacrificing our values, but because of our values.

I am already looking out for other books by the same author because this one has already worked miracles for me, it's helped me get out of the house and look for ways to move more while following my core values and my mood has felt immeasurably improved as a result.

I think we could all do with a bit more movement even if we don't think we have the time or money for a full-on workout or gym membership. So, if you've ever felt stuck in your old ways and didn't know how to promised yourself on the first of January to get fit this year, and then again, THIS year, here is your sign to pick this book up and start making incremental changes while overcoming the psychological barriers in the the way of a longer fitter healthier life.

This is a life-changing book. It is full of wisdom that will help the reader gain many tools to live a more full, healthy, and happy life. This is one I will return to again and again. The narration was superb. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

I loved how real this book was. Every excuse I’ve ever had for why I “can’t” exercise was completely called out and broken down in such a relatable way. The authors go through dozens of reasons we put off movement...everything from being too tired after work, to screen time, to pain, to just not feeling motivated...and they actually offer realistic ways to work through them.

What really made it stand out for me was the dual narration. Both authors sound encouraging, never judgmental, and their honesty makes the message hit even harder. It honestly felt like listening to two friends who get it. I found myself pausing to take notes and reflect on my own habits, which helped the advice actually stick.

By the end, I went straight out and bought a physical copy (and the audiobook too). If you’ve ever struggled to start or stay consistent with exercise, this book will make you feel seen and give you practical tools to finally get moving on your own terms.

Thank you NetGalley and Uphill Books for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve followed Katy Bowman for a while, and have always found her movement advice practical and useful. Diana Hill is new to me, but her sensibilities blend perfectly with Katy’s.
What a refreshing take on changing your mindset around exercise. There’s not a whiff of scolding throughout the entire book. Katy and Diana breakdown all of the negative self talk, and give plenty of ways to stack in more movement with your current behavior/routine. Exercise doesn’t mean going to the gym, or punishing yourself on the treadmill. It means moving more, and this book offers tons of ways to do so whether at work, with your kids, etc.
The author is narrate this book, and do a great job of bringing personality and warmth to the subject matter. I took notes! Sound quality overall is terrific.
My thanks to both NetGalley and Uphill Books for granting access to an advanced digital audio copy upon my request.

I first picked this book up because it sounded like it could because I thought it could maybe be helpful. I didn’t have high hopes as I never do with self help books. I’m neurodivergent and physically disabled so self help stuff generally doesn’t take someone like me into account. The professional focus of both authors seemed promising though so why not?

I’m glad I gave it a go. The core of this book is that life is hard and the modern set up does make it difficult to get more exercise in but let's look at how we approach exercise and see where we’re already doing it and long term support. We’re human and life happens.

While I’m glad I listened to the audiobook, I want to refer back to suggestions the authors made and having a text version would be much easier for that. Both authors did a great job narrating the book. Multiple narrators are helpful for my brain and their swapping back and forth was appreciated.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!

The Ultimate Guide to Conquering the Mental Barriers to Movement

For anyone who has ever wrestled with the inner voice that says "I should move, but…" this book, I Know I Should Exercise, But…, is the perfect antidote. Authors Diana Hill, PhD, and Katy Bowman, M.S. have created a compassionate and game-changing exploration of human behavior, offering a science-based approach to overcoming the mental blocks that keep us sedentary. Hill and Bowman join forces to address the 44 common everyday mental blocks to movement, reframing the conversation around physical activity, and turning the mind from an adversary into an ally.

This book is perfect if you're interested in the psychology of behavior change, increasing physical activity, and overcoming barriers to add more activity. The core of the book explores the common excuses and reasons why people feel barriers to exercise, providing practical, evidence-based tools like urge surfing and behavioral stretching from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The authors are masterful at translating complex psychological concepts into strategies that feel instantly applicable, making the process of change feel empowering rather than guilt-ridden.

As an audiobook, this is truly superb. The clear narration is easy to listen to at increased speed, which is a huge bonus for someone incorporating this into their busy routine. The content is engaging, informative, and educational, making it feel like a supportive conversation. Listening to their advice helps you connect actions to your deeply held values, fundamentally changing your relationship with movement.

I Know I Should Exercise, But… is a landmark work that extends far beyond the gym. It is a powerful guide for cultivating psychological flexibility and self-compassion, leading to meaningful, values-based action in all areas of life. This should be required reading, especially for those working in the healthcare industry, and for anyone looking to help themselves or help loved ones get unstuck. This is a must-have for any home library for anyone looking to cultivate a movement-rich life.

Thank you to Uphill Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for an advanced reader copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. This review is voluntary. All opinions are my own.

#IKnowIShouldExerciseBut #DianaHill #KatyBowman #UphillBooks #IBPA #NetGalley

I absolutely loved this. This is not the typical book where they yell at you to take the stairs. This is so much more, it’s tangible, palatable, and actually useful not just for exercise but this book applies to so much in life.

This book combines thought work, values, mindfulness, etc to get to the root problem and feels like a hug when you read it. It really felt like a therapy session in the best way.

*I got this as a free ARC through NetGalley for an honest review thank you to everyone who made this happen*