Often people make such claims as a justification for not committing to some or other routine. In so doing however, they miss the importance (and subtleties) of the word ‘overly’. Being overly disciplined can indeed be as unhealthy and ineffective as being under-disciplined. As with most things, the most helpful level lies somewhere in between the extremes. There is a minimum level of physical activity (depending on your age and other factors) which prevents your health from going backwards. This minimum should indeed be structured routinely, and committed to absolutely non-negotiably. (Except of course in scenarios such as being ill). The ideal level on the other hand – ie that which leads to optimal health – will be at a higher frequency and intensity than this minimum. These exercise sessions (ie the ones above and beyond the non-negotiable minimum), you can afford to be a bit more flexible about. Ultimately we want them to happen more often than not, but certainly not at any unreasonable cost (eg to missing an exciting social engagement, missing an important work deadline, etc). Last year, the afore-mentioned group member for the first time committed to a non-negotiable minimum number of gym sessions per week. It was after having stuck to this for a while that she suddenly became aware of how free it made her feel. No longer was she having the grand internal debates about whether or not to go to gym, no longer was she bearing the guilt of not going, and for the first time in many years she experienced the greater energy and work capacity that comes with living a more balanced life.