Empowered with Dr Jenni Douglas
Ep. 13 Building a relationship with exercise that lasts

Consistency in exercise doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through intentional habits, a flexible mindset, and a deeper understanding of the brain-body connection. In this episode, we explore the ways you can redefine what exercise means to you, the role of rewards in building habits, and the neuroscience behind movement. Plus, practical tips for overcoming resistance and reframing challenging sensations like breathlessness and fatigue.What You’ll Learn:
- How expanding your definition of exercise can improve flexibility and motivation.
- The science of rewards, from temptation bundling to variable reinforcement.
- Strategies to reframe physiological sensations and build intrinsic motivation.
- The role of neurogenesis and dopamine in creating lasting exercise habits.
- Movement is movement: redefine exercise to include a wide variety of activities.
- Randomized rewards can make exercise feel exciting and desirable.
- Resistance is normal, but your reaction to it determines your success.
- Exercise promotes brain health and memory through neurogenesis.
- Sign up for my free webinar: How to Be Consistent with Exercise on February 19th https://www.jenni-douglas.com/exercisehabits
- Follow me for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/jennidouglas.fitness/
- Share this episode with a friend who’s working on building a fitness habit!
- Broadcast on:
- 23 Feb 2025
Consistency in exercise doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through intentional habits, a flexible mindset, and a deeper understanding of the brain-body connection. In this episode, we explore the ways you can redefine what exercise means to you, the role of rewards in building habits, and the neuroscience behind movement. Plus, practical tips for overcoming resistance and reframing challenging sensations like breathlessness and fatigue.What You’ll Learn:
- How expanding your definition of exercise can improve flexibility and motivation.
- The science of rewards, from temptation bundling to variable reinforcement.
- Strategies to reframe physiological sensations and build intrinsic motivation.
- The role of neurogenesis and dopamine in creating lasting exercise habits.
- Movement is movement: redefine exercise to include a wide variety of activities.
- Randomized rewards can make exercise feel exciting and desirable.
- Resistance is normal, but your reaction to it determines your success.
- Exercise promotes brain health and memory through neurogenesis.
- Sign up for my free webinar: How to Be Consistent with Exercise on February 19th https://www.jenni-douglas.com/exercisehabits
- Follow me for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/jennidouglas.fitness/
- Share this episode with a friend who’s working on building a fitness habit!