Many people shy away from exercise, believing it’s just not for them—yet the truth is, finding the motivation to move can be more about overcoming perceptions than physical ability. But here’s where it gets controversial… occasionally, the usual tips and tricks might not work, and understanding why can change everything. This is the story of Stella Fava, a woman who once rarely ventured into physical activity, but whose perspective transformed dramatically—showing that with the right approach, exercise can become a joyful part of life.
Stella, a woman in her 50s from Sydney, admits she’s never been naturally drawn to working out. "I’ve never been particularly athletic, and I’ve always disliked feeling breathless or being the last across the finish line," she shares. "Even during high school, sports just didn’t come easily or naturally to me." Her main motivation was a dislike for feeling inadequately skilled in activities she tried, which led her to avoid exercise as much as possible.
"I convinced myself that because I eat well and was naturally slim, I didn’t really need to exercise," Stella explains. Like many, she justified her sedentary habits by juggling a busy work life and motherhood, believing that her lifestyle was enough. It’s a common mindset: many underestimate the importance of physical activity despite overwhelming scientific evidence showing its benefits—including better heart health, stronger bones, and improved mental well-being.
According to Australia’s 2022 National Health Survey, around 78% of adults aged 18-64 aren’t active enough—highlighting that Stella’s experience isn’t unique. But what exactly influences someone’s drive to get moving?
Experts point to a multitude of factors—time limitations due to work or family, psychological barriers such as fear or low confidence, financial costs, physical discomfort, and negative past experiences with exercise. Importantly, enjoyment—or lack of it—plays a critical role. As Dr. Ben Singh from the University of South Australia notes, "A significant number of adults find exercise unenjoyable, with higher rates among older adults, women, ethnic minorities, and those with lower socioeconomic status, often due to cultural, psychological, or practical challenges."
But here’s the twist most people overlook: it’s not only about age, gender, or background. Disliking exercise can affect anyone, depending on their unique circumstances, health, and beliefs. One common barrier is the absence of pleasurable sensations during physical activity—often called 'endorphin effects'—which about 25% of Australians report not experiencing. Without those feelings of joy, motivation drops, and quitting becomes easier. Stella certainly felt this way; she says she never experienced those "happy endorphins" that so many sporty enthusiasts rave about.
Then, in early 2023, Stella’s routine began to shift. A friend introduced her to pickleball—a sport that’s rapidly gaining popularity in Australia. Her friend described it as a playful combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and confidently told Stella that anyone, including her, could play. After a year of gentle persuasion, Stella finally decided to give it a try.
Her experience was surprisingly positive. She picked it up quickly, attracted by its low impact, quick game sessions, and above all, the fun atmosphere. "For the first time, I really felt that rush, that elation people talk about after exercise," Stella recalls. As she improved, a sense of friendly competition motivated her further. "That’s when my whole attitude towards movement and fitness really started to change."
So, how can others find their own motivation?
Dr. Gregore Iven Mielke, a senior researcher at the University of Queensland, suggests that making exercise social is a powerful motivator. Connecting with friends, family, or community groups turns the activity into more than just a workout—it becomes a shared experience. Another effective method is to embed purposeful movement into daily routines. For example, cycling or walking to work, or scheduling regular exercise sessions like important meetings, can help create consistency.
He emphasizes starting small—perhaps just 10 minutes a day or a single session per week—and gradually increasing time and intensity. Variability can keep things interesting, and avoiding pressure to do something dreaded is crucial. Setting achievable goals and celebrating tiny victories also helps sustain motivation, especially when initial expectations for rapid results aren’t met.
If these strategies don’t quite do the trick, other tactics involve “tricking” your brain into enjoying movement. Dr. Dan van den Hoek recommends using music or podcasts to distract from discomfort, or engaging with activity-based video games and interactive apps that make exercise fun. External stimuli like beautiful scenery or social conversations can transform a mundane workout into an enjoyable outing.
Stella’s story underscores an inspiring truth: exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Although she admits she may never become a fitness fanatic, pickleball uniquely transformed her outlook on physical activity. She now recognizes that staying active is essential for health, especially for cardiovascular strength and bone health, and that movement can be genuinely joyful.
Today, her weekly pickleball sessions are a highlight, and she’s grateful for the community she’s found and the improvements she’s seen—for her fitness, mood, and overall happiness. When she was sidelined by an injury, she realized just how much this sport means to her, reinforcing that fitness isn’t optional—it’s vital.
Her journey invites us all to reconsider our own barriers to movement: Could finding an activity you enjoy fundamentally change your relationship with exercise? Or is there a paradox in the idea that sometimes, tricking ourselves with fun and social elements might be the best way to stay motivated? Share your thoughts—do you agree or disagree with Stella’s experience? How do you stay active despite the odds? Let’s start a conversation.
