Barriers to Exercise – What's Holding You Back?

‘I don’t know, I just don’t feel like it, I can’t seem to get motivated’… sound familiar?   Do you (secretly enviously) notice weekend joggers effortlessly making their way through the park and think ‘You’re fit, you like exercise, it’s easy for you’.  That’s not always the case.  Gaga might have been Born That Way, but the rest of us have to work at it. 

So what are these barriers we might be facing?

Mental Barriers

Here’s a thought.  The woman who thinks she can and the woman who thinks she can’t are both right.  Which one are you?  Positive belief is a powerful thing.  Stop making excuses and be your own cheerleader!  Set small achievable goals and celebrate your wins.  Will you wake up tomorrow and run a marathon?  No.  Can you go for a walk with a view to working up to a jog?  Yes.  If you can achieve that, what else can you do?

Physical Barriers

Injuries and medical issues are frustrating.  You wake up feeling pumped and ready to sweat it out; brain says ‘Let’s do this!’, body says ‘You want me to what now!?’. While it’s not always easy, there are ways to begin or modify your current exercise regime, even when your body isn’t playing nice.  Speak to your doctor/physio/trainer for advice on what’s right for you.

Time

Let’s say I could guarantee you $500 cash to meet me at 6am tomorrow – all you have to do is show up (assume this doesn’t sound dodgy)…would you make time?   Of course you would.  You’d make it a priority.  Remind yourself why exercise is important to you and make that your priority.

Outside Influences

You’ve just got home from work (you finished on time for once - hurrah!) and it’s lovely outside.  You’re going for a run.  Just as you’re heading out you hear ‘You’re not going for a run are you? I thought we were hanging out tonight’.  Cue guilt.  Yes, you want to spend time with your partner… but you won’t be gone long, they’ll cope without you! You’re exercising because it’s important for you to look after yourself. You’re not being selfish, you’re taking care of yourself so you can be fitter, healthier and happier – for you and your loved ones.

Once you start exercising regularly you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.  Exercise not only keeps weight in check and improves muscle tone, making you look more defined - it instantly lifts mood, helps you sleep better, decreases stress, improves self-confidence, promotes better energy levels, improves balance and coordination, increases bone strength... yep, the list just keeps on going!

So run that by me again… why aren’t you exercising today?