I Know I Should Exercise, But...

“This book is brilliant, I love it. It so obviously reflects a deep understanding of the barriers people face and compassionate ways to overcome them. Every chapter offers strategies that can help you today, with the body you have and the challenges you face. Every page has an insight that can help you find joy in movement (or get you moving). It’s the most insightful guide to getting moving I've ever read.” —Kelly McGonigal, author of The Joy of Movement

“This book is the nudge you need and will get you rethinking your relationship to movement entirely. You’ll want to keep this one on your shelf to reference again and again.”
—Manoush Zomorodi, Host of NPR's TED Radio Hour and Body Electric

“[A] remarkable and timely book that applies the powerful tools of modern psychological science to help readers overcome the mental and emotional barriers to movement, [by] connecting actions to deeply held values rather than temporary motivations or fearful but often incorrect predictions.
What stands out most to me is the book’s innovative choice to highlight and undermine excessive reason-giving: a topic I’ve long found fascinating and the original basis of my own research on ACT and psychological flexibility four decades ago. It’s wonderful to see reason-giving addressed in such a powerful, compassionate, and effective way. I can think of no book ever, in any area, that has explored it so thoroughly and artfully.
As you read it you will discover that this book is not really just for those who want to exercise. It’s for anyone seeking a richer, more intentional relationship with their mind, body, and values. Whether you’re a fitness professional, mental health practitioner, or someone who just wants to get unstuck, this book will make a difference.”—Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Author of Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life and A Liberated Mind

"As a barefoot trail runner, dedicated yogi, and longtime admirer of Katy Bowman’s nutritious movement approach, I’ve seen the power of physical activity. As a co-founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I also understand the psychological roadblocks to healthy movement. I Know I Should Exercise But…masterfully combines Diana Hill’s ACT expertise with Katy Bowman’s biomechanics insights. This book tackles both the physical and psychological barriers to movement, offering practical, compassionate steps to get started." —Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of Mississippi, Author of Mindfulness for Two, Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong, and The Wisdom to Know the Difference

“At long last, a book that compassionately addresses the real and often debilitating reasons that so many of us resist physical movement. From low self-esteem to high anxiety, from lack of space to obligation overload, Katy Bowman and Diana Hill leave no obstacle unturned as they clear the way for anyone and everyone who has ever wanted to get moving, but found themselves flummoxed — whether by resistance, uncertainty, distraction, or dread. A great guide for anyone longing to live in a healthier body-mind, and a fine professional toolkit for coaches, trainers, and psychologists who want to help others accomplish that goal with greater ease.” —Pilar Gerasimo, Author of The Healthy Deviant and Founder of Healthy Deviant U.

“[A] refreshing and empowering resource for anyone struggling to move more. Katy Bowman and Diana Hill skillfully transform guilt and resistance into joy and sustainable habits, making this a must-read for individuals and health professionals alike." —Leigh A. Frame, PhD, MHS, Chief Wellness Officer, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

“This book has a perfect answer for every preconceived notion or excuse that may arise when it comes to exercising. It should be required reading for many of the pregnant and postpartum patients I work with, who struggle to find the time, are tired or unmotivated, or have children or partners who don’t support their movement habit.” —Anietie-Ukpe-Wallace, PT, DPT, orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapist and author of Tending to Your Womb (Uphill Books, June 2025)

“[E]xceptionally authoritative and compassionate, I Know I Should Exercise But… is [also] accessible, loaded with practical tips, and just plain old fun to read! I also greatly appreciate that it’s been written so that you can jump to sections that are more relevant to your own struggles or as they become more relevant to your journey.
As a research psychologist who conducts studies on physical activity, I can honestly say I found myself repeatedly highlighting sections because they were presented in either a particularly engaging, unique, or entertaining way, and I will most certainly be recommending this book to anyone who wants to exercise more but can’t quite get momentum going. —Jason Lillis, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and co-author of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and The Diet Trap

“There is plenty of information out there for workout programming and advanced fitness protocols, but a huge swath of the population seems to be left out and left behind. The masses must figure out how to make exercise a habit, instead of a to-do list item that brings more time-pressure and even exhaustion. This book is a valuable resource for those who need a li’l boost and a li’l more focus.”—Mark Sisson, author of Born To Walk