I Hate It When Exercise Is the Answer: A Fitness Program for the Soul

by Emily Watts

Pick up any woman's magazine. Read any pamphlet in your doctor's office. Like it or not, you'll find that exercise seems to be the prescription for just about every ill, from diabetes to heart disease to depression to (ironically) fatigue.

Luckily, exercise bikes, dumbbells, and spandex suits are not needed in these 31 exercises to help keep our spirits in shape. I Hate It When Exercise Is the Answer is filled with funny, easy-to-relate-to stories that also come with lessons, such as: how a tax return can teach us perspective, how a big cookie teaches about assumptions, and what an engine-free car has to do with adjusting our expectations. In her lighthearted and conversational style, author Emily Watts offers ideas to improve our spiritual and emotional fitness. In just one short month, you could be a better, happier, more spiritual you!

This is one fitness tool that won't end up gathering dust in the corner of your room.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Lds, Self Help, Humor, Spirituality, Lds Non Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Emily Watts is a lover of words. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Utah and has worked as an editor for Deseret Book Company for more than 25 years. Many of those years she spent working part-time from home so she could devote the lion's share of her attention to her two girls and three boys. Now that those children are all in school, she is back full-time and serves as a senior editor.

Reviews

[Mary L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I hate to exercise; exercise is the answer--for the soul as well as the body. Emily Watts gives us 31 little exercises that I am going to put on cards and pick one a day at random to try to do. I love her humor in that I have done almost all of the dumb things that she uses to illustrate how the exercise will help us. Just to pick one at random #22 is Adjusting our expectations. "Take an honest inventory of your life situation. Are you holding on to unproductive behaviors with the unrealistic expectation that they won't really hurt you? Is it time to reach for a new normal, maybe even on a higher level." One great thing about these exercises, no matter what your age or you ability level you can use them to improve your soul.

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. All of the mini chapters had good ideas but I didn't feel passionate about the book. She has an exercise to do at the end of each chapter and I think if you followed through with her homework it would be beneficial. I just didn't do the homework.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

SUPER quick read. Lots of fluffy stuff. Some sound, but common, advice shared in a cute way.

[Jaylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple of things:

I think Emily Watts could very well be my bff. I NEEDED the uplifting and humorous stories I read.

This was easy to read in one day, but it definitely made me feel better about myself. I've been in a funk recently, so I'm trying to dig myself out of that.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite likable. There are lots of moments in our daily lives that can teach us better ways to live. And not all self-improvement boils down to physical fitness. We are much more than bodies obsessed with food, exercise and appearance.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was full of ways to look at things differently and act differently to change your mindset and spirit. I tabbed and highlighted lots of pages and will refer to it often and implement many of her suggestions. Highly recommend.

[Beth Given · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short chapters; enjoyable stories. Nothing particularly life-changing but a good one to reach for in lieu of scrolling social media.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Made me laugh out loud a few times. Definitely could relate to the author and the stories she shared.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy, quick read.

[Rachel Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book filled my religious mother cup. Not intended for everyone, but the take aways at the end of each chapter are just what I needed to read and remember to implement in my daily life.

[Shelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Irritated by all the LDS references, should have indicated this in the title or cover.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took a long time to read not because of any flaw in it but because I read one chapter at a time when clearing off my desk (yes, I've been clearing off the same desk for more than 2 years--and the book doesn't have that many chapters). Then I tried to implement whatever the point of the chapter was while going on to the next stuff lower in my desk pile. It really is a good, short, to the point, useful, and helpful book. I will probably keep it, unless there's someone I think of who could use it. I've reached the time in my life when fewer and fewer books merit "read-keep", as opposed to "read-enjoyed immensely but rehome to someone else".

[Jenben8426 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick but enlightening read. I bought it recently at Time Out For Women because the title made me chuckle. The author did a great job of incorporating humor and spirituality. It was clear to the reader that she wasn't trying to make you feel guilty or feel like she, herself, was perfect; but rather engaged the reader fully in understanding of the topics presented. I actually plan to read it again and actually do the 31 exercises (one each day for a month) it suggests at the end of each chapter. I loved how she took real challenges in almost all women's lives and broke it down simply and effectively allowing women to see a bigger picture of what is important to strengthen our souls.

Highly recommended!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could it be? I think I'm the first person on here to review this book! :) Sorry... just had to throw that in there.

Emily Watts has done it again. She has taken humor, mixed it with some poignant truths, and ta-dah! You have this great book. She covers 31 "exercises" for your soul throughout the book. I know that the point was to have something to do each and every day, but it felt a bit overwhelming. Maybe I should have read just one chapter, tried implementing it and then gone on to the next? Perhaps that's how I'll read it the second time around. Because I will be reading it again!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an LDS book with scriptural references from an LDS author . Also a practical, straightforward book filled with sensible advice for absolutely anyone. This is one of those books that you can pick up at different times and just read a section at a time since each short chapter is completely independent. I didn't take the time to do each challenge at the end of each chapter, but it gave me some good insights and was positive, uplifting and encouraging. 3 stars doesn't mean it wasn't good - it simply wasn't extremely compelling literature or incredibly deep philosophy. And sometimes that is also just fine with me.

[Jeanette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read other books by Emily Watts and heard her speak on a few occasions and have usually enjoyed what I read and heard but not so much this time.
The book is set up with 31 short chapters that discuss exercises to help keep you in shape spiritually. They were quick reads filled with lots of personal stories and experiences but I felt like I'd read or heard many of them before. What I had not specifically heard or read before was still nothing new or overly inspiring.
It is probably just my dislike of self-help books rearing it's head again but if this had been any longer or taken any more time to read I probably would not have bothered to finish it.

[Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small book, but I very much enjoy the way Emily Watts writes, so will probably finish this pretty quick. Same messages as usual but put in a fun and interesting format. Her "Confessions of an Unbalanced Woman" is still one of my favorite reads and re-reads.

This was a good read. Had some thoughtful but simple ideas for setting goals and working towards improvements. Really liked her comparison to everyday situations and lessons we can learn.

Worth reading. I'll probably even follow through on some of the "action items."

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who's read stuff by Emily Watts knows that she has a great perspective on life, and communicates it in humorous, yet poignant ways. I loved the short, concise chapters, especially as a holiday read; some days I only got through one of her 2-3 page segments. This book is full of some of Watts' personal experiences, and what they taught her about life. If you are a person who learns well from life experiences, this book is for you. It really is an "exercise manual" for life.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this outloud to my husband as we drove home from Arizona this past Christmas. Fun read. The book is easily divided into 31 chapters with each having a "spiritual" exercise assigned to a physical action to such topics as gratitude, forgiveness, stress etc. There are some hilarious stories and upbeat mood to the book that allows you to plow right through it or savor each chapter and try out some of the assignments. Glad I bought it. This is NOT just a book for women.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exercise--blech! Something we should all do but just can't seem to get around to doing. In this book, Emily Watts outlines a month long exercise program, not for the body, but for the spirit. With funny and down to earth personal stories she points out some logical solutions and advice to fix those nagging bad habits and make life more enjoyable. Loved the insights and the humor. This is one exercise program I could really get into!

[Kristelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I was trying to avoid exercise and thought this might be helpful. The book is written in 31 chapters so there is an exercise for each day of the month. The chapters were quick reads and a very uplifting. Watts had a personal experience for each chapter and then summarized the exercise for the soul at the end of each chapter. The book didn't get me to workout physically but it did get me to think about strengthening my soul.

[Hunybe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and lighthearted, with lots of amusing antecdotes.

I picked up this book because I heard the author speak at BYU's Women's Conference this spring, and she got the prize for my favorite quote of the conference. "I remind my children often that I am giving them the gift of an unperfect mother, so that when it comes time to enter into their own marriage they won't have any unrealistic expectations."

Nice to hear we don't need to be perfect.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little book about how to strengthen ourselves spiritually. There are 31 short essays, one for each day of the month. They are the perfect length when you need a quick "pick-me-up."
Emily Watts has a delightful, funny way of sharing examples from her life to illustrate her point. I especially appreciated her insight on motherhood, the guilt we often feel and what we can and cannot control. Delightful reading.

[Jayme Swallow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Hate It When Exercise Is the Answer by Emily Watts is a sort of self-help book, designed for you to rad a chapter a day and implement the small changes into your life. It's got some really good ideas. Watt's ideas are more for a professional or a mom, though, not necessarily an in-between-er like me. But with a little adaptation, it can be a helpful read for anyone.

http://jaymesbookreviews.blogspot.com...

[Mary Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute book that was a quick read. It took me a bit to figure out that she's Latter Day Saints (I admit it, I'm slow) and I didn't understand many of the references at first.

Cute personal stories that emphasized that chapter's message. I admit I did not do the exercises at the end of each chapter. I didn't feel it was necessary to get the full benefit of the book.

Her writing held my interest and I'd love to read other books she's written.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, and just what I needed for some uplifting ideas. I could read these 31 "exercises" over and over for ideas on being a better mom, wife, and person. They are quick thoughts, and they are helpful for me when I just need someone to brighten my day and give me ideas on how to change my attitud when I need it.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this little book. I have read some of her parenting books and loved them and this was just as good. The author has a way to make you laugh and still help you feel motivated and uplifted all at the same time. I love her view of life and her way with words. Highly recommend this to anyone who needs a little boost of motivation and/or spiritual enlightenment.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Emily Watts' writing. She can make me laugh and think. The only reason why this book doesn't have 5 stars is that it is a self help book with a suggestion at the end of each chapter. And I stink at following suggestions at the end of chapters. It would do me lots of good to follow her suggestions though.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a hugely deep read, but a fun and lighthearted look at principles to live by. I liked her story of what happened the Sunday they had all the men sing on the stand (it was great) followed by what happened when all the women came up to sing (kids were screaming all over the place). The point? Moms matter! Lots of great stories and examples used.

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put off reading this gem of a book because I mistakenly thought it dwelt with 'exercise'.... I was so happily surprised to find that it contained nuggets of insights that could apply to my own life. Emily Watts, author, comes across as an ordinary woman sharing what she's learned. I think I would like to have her as a friend. I recommend this one!