"I need to be fit to exercise": Teleoaffective misalignment through body evaluation and body projection practices for mothers

This qualitative study from the UK during COVID-19 lockdowns extends our understanding of the body in practice theoretic consumption research by illuminating its roles in the pre-performative practices that mothers routinely perform when considering the possibility of exercise; namely body evaluation and projection practices. We identify these practices as constructing the ‘mothering body’ as a failing, shameful body because it does not exercise, which is set against the ‘exercising body’ which connotes an effortless, thin and fit idealised body entrenched in the teleoaffective structures of exercise practice. We conceptualise that ‘teleoaffective misalignment’ ensues, which we define as misalignment between the beliefs and understandings in pre-performative practices and the teleoaffective structure of a practice. This brings negative affective intensity and further fuels pre-performative practice enactments centred around the body, locking affective displeasure into mothers’ relationships with exercise and leading mothers to exit the field. By theorising the body through the lens of the teleoaffective structure, we contribute to practice-theoretic consumption research through our conceptualisation of ‘teleoaffective misalignment’ and by extending understanding and nomenclature of pre-performative practices and how these interconnect unsuccessful practice performances.