[Les facteurs d’adhésion à l’activité physique]

It is not always easy to motivate yourself to practice physical activity, despite the health benefits. On the occasion of National Prevention Week, discover here some tips and ideas to get you started.

The beneficial effects of practicing physical activity or sport are now well known, in particular for the prevention of diabetes, and for people suffering from the disease. However, it is not always easy to get started, nor to maintain an activity over time. As we previously mentioned the difficulties in getting started, there are also social determinants which favor the entry and maintenance of physical and sporting activities for people with diabetes.

How to sustain your practice?

IF you have diabetes and you practice physical activity or sports, you probably do it for the benefits of this practice for your health. But this is undoubtedly not the only reason, and there are other motivating factors, such as for example the personal interest that everyone can find in it, the pleasure, the well-being or even the social bond.
If you start a practice only because a doctor or someone close to you advised you to do so, there is little chance that you will be able to maintain this activity over time. What works best is when the motivation to do an activity comes from you, and you are personally convinced of its value. This is what we call “intrinsic motivation”, and it is this element that should be worked on with the professionals who support you. To strengthen it, you can for example take an interest in all the scientific discoveries that have been made on the subject, they are numerous and fascinating, you will be even more convinced!
Discover the scientific news on physical activity in our balance magazine
Another motivating factor, tools such as continuous glucose sensors, which will allow you to see the beneficial effects of a physical or sporting activity, and also to know yourself better. By equipping yourself with a sensor during your activity, you will see the effects on your blood sugar depending on the pace, duration and intensity. Nothing better than checking for yourself to gain skills and knowledge about your illness. The same goes for the effects on your well-being; it is by feeling what suits you and what makes you feel good that you will succeed in maintaining an activity over time.

The main thing: put some movement back into your life!

For each of us, the practice of a physical or sporting activity is linked to our history, to our body and to the image that we send to others. Each session that takes place in an outdoor setting, whether outdoors or indoors, involves seeing and being seen. The bodies are revealed, set in motion, exposing themselves to each other’s gazes and to potential judgments.
Exposing your body has different implications for each person. In this regard, there can be any type of sensitivity which depends on the representations but also on the beliefs of each person. Sport is not simply a certain type of practice governed by rules. It is a culture in its own right, which has its norms, its language and its representations of the body, effort and vulnerability. Here too, everything that sport conveys in terms of values ​​and discourse does not necessarily suit everyone. It is therefore essential to know what you are looking for and where your preferences and desires lie, so as not to be disappointed and risk seeing your motivation impacted.
The important thing is not to have to practice a particular sport or exercise, but to find how to put or put movement back into your life. So, remember that this movement should be done when you want it, if you want it, and in the way you prefer. There are a multitude of ways to get moving again, and without necessarily doing sports! Consider dancing, hiking, gardening, activities with children or grandchildren, walks, etc.

Nordic walking, an example of a positive dynamic

Nordic walking is a good example of a practice conducive to multiple aspects, and not just directly linked to health. It also allows you to discover a natural space or a park by following a route that allows you to enjoy nature. Practiced in a group, it is also conducive to exchanges and discussions, whether with other people living with a chronic illness, or with a supervisor, thus allowing health education and the sharing of expertise. It can be done at everyone’s pace, and can be adapted to all levels.
All these aspects make Nordic walking an activity conducive to well-being, exchange, and discovery. In this context, physical activity is no longer an end in itself solely with the aim of improving biomedical standards (blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.), but thus becomes a lever for other dimensions such as the link social, to strengthen the alliance with a supervising professional, or to meet and discuss with other people with diabetes. It is precisely through this that a practice has the best chance of lasting.

Here are some resources to give you ideas in this direction: the French Hiking Federation and the Hiking & Diabète association

Discover the testimony of Roseline, Volunteer at AFD 44, on Hiking & Diabetes

Group practice, a lever for motivation

For those who prefer collective activities, whether in a team or to practice with other people, group dynamics play an essential role. The sustainability of a practice will depend on the collusion and affinities between a person and a supervisor, but also with the other participants. It will also depend on each person’s preferences in relation to the activities carried out, the general setting and the atmosphere. Some will prefer, for example, a welcoming, caring setting in a warm atmosphere while others will value the commitment, the motivation of all the participants and the enthusiasm that this gives them.
Welcoming a new person who wishes to join a collective can be decisive. Some discrimination unfortunately sometimes takes place, particularly towards those who do not correspond to the image of an “ideal patient”, because of their appearance. Everyone has a role to play in creating an environment that promotes the inclusion of these people who are furthest from the practice of physical and sporting activities, and who could benefit the most from support.

Find the activity for you

Finding the right activity, in the right group, at the right time for you and which does you good can be complicated, because diabetes is already a disease which is complex to manage on a daily basis, and which induces multiple constraints. Nevertheless, physical activity is a valuable ally, which can initiate or promote a positive dynamic in your life, to slow or limit the progression of the disease. If you haven’t yet found the practice that suits you, don’t be discouraged, keep looking and discussing it around you. New opportunities can emerge by talking with friends or health professionals, and remember that it is never too late to bring movement back into your life, whatever the way!

A useful link for resources on support: https://www.federationdesdiabetiques.org/diabete/activite-physique/activite-physique-entreprises