Reframing Exercise as Play [Podcast Series]
[:54] Dr. Bantham introduces her guest, Janet Omstead
Janet Omstead is a health coach and play expert.
She is also the author of The Play Book: How to Get in the Habit of Good Health and the founder of the Play for Life System.
[1:18] Learning from children about play and movement
“And the whole idea of playing and moving shouldn't have to stop just because we grow up. I really don't believe that. I think it's time we rediscover our inner kid and give ourselves permission to have fun.”
[2:54] COVID taking the playground away
“Yeah, COVID really did take the playground away. And it has affected people's physical and mental health. It's a one two punch. I agree. People are recognizing how fundamental movement is and how all movement matters.”
[4:14] Bringing back the playground
“So kids may have had some of that taken away, but I think kids are really resilient. And that's something I really admire about children and childhood, and that we can lose sight of as we age is, there's no harm in tapping back into those things, and finding what brings you joy. And don't worry about it, if it's not perfect. And don't worry about it, if it doesn't follow a rule. Go have fun. We need to.”
[5:49] Sustainable exercise behavior change
“There's nothing wrong with bringing in fun. And something that lasts. There are no magic potions. But it doesn't mean it has to be boring. Yes, change is hard, right? Although I don't think it's impossible when you find out what works for you and you live more in alignment with your values. The key to your success is managing your expectations with what you're ready, willing and able to do.”
[7:20] Investing in health
“Actually, it's small, consistent changes over time. That's what really works. Sounds kind of boring, but it actually really works. Versus what the majority of people do is they look for this quick fix, right?”
[9:35] Health coaching
“And that’s where my expertise comes in. Because there is no one size fits all. It's meeting people where they're at. You know, as a coach, you're not...I'm not there to tell you what to do. I'm there to help you figure out what is going to work for you. And what is going to move the needle towards better health, whatever that means for you.”
[11:08] Getting to move
“I really, in my fundamental heart of heart, soul of souls, really want people to understand this. You don't have to move. You get to move. And when you wake up every day with that lens, how am I going to move today? Like when you're a kid. What am I going to play today? Holy moly, it turns working out on its head.”
[13:10] The five whys
“I think people need to dig into their vision of how they want to age and their why. Why are they moving? What is the long term outcome for them?”
[15:48] Play and mental health
“Yeah, and it's also the mental health piece. That is also what's so magical about play. It really turns on your happy, the happy gear in your brain. When you're moving more you just, you naturally are inclined to want to move more⸺like I said earlier⸺move more, eat better sleep, you sleep better.”
[17:26] Helping people who want help
“I can't help someone that doesn't want help. People who say they want it, versus who they really deep down want it. That's, that's who I help, for sure.”
[17:54] Play as a new approach to exercise
“If you reframe exercise as play, it's just way less of a barrier for people to move without feeling they need to go to a gym or do a hard workout. And like I said, getting to play versus having to play. But play is a relatively low bar you can build on and starting small and building up is what makes things sustainable 100%. And it makes it less scary. Play just feels achievable. And, in my opinion, play is a state of mind and a completely new approach to exercise.”
[19:03] Setting the bare ass minimum
“What is the bare ass minimum you can commit to, you know, don't set the bar so high that you have an excuse not to do what you say. Like, I'm going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or I'm gonna run a marathon. Awesome. That's great. We want to get you there. But where are you at now? What is the bare ass minimum you need to do now to be able to do that in the future? And how can you build on that?”
[22:43] New ideas for play
“So I can't say I have a committee. But I definitely have a few people that, especially my own kids, I get motivation from.”
[23:47] Motivation for change
“Not everybody needs a gold medal. But people like to work towards something. It makes you feel good. And it's the pieces of feeling good along the way that are, why, what is motivating. And seeing when people, like whether they're winning a gold medal—I mean, come on—a very, very, very few people win gold medals, or they're actually eating—this is an odd comparison. But I think it's kind of cool—or they're actually eating a piece of fruit every day, for the first time in their life. That's achievement. It's totally achievement.”
[27:09] The world as a playground
“Yes, I am a huge fan of the outdoors. I love what the outdoor brings. The world can be your playground, and I love reintroducing that idea to people.”
