Overcoming Obstacles to Exercise
Let’s face it, wanting to exercise and actually doing it are two very different things. We all want to be able to get up every morning and get a good workout in before starting our day, but it’s easier said than done. Maybe you don’t have the energy or confidence, or maybe you are experiencing pain that holds you back. We’re going to dive into a list of obstacles you may encounter with yourself that aren’t allowing you to exercise regularly, and how you can jump the hurdle and get your body back to feeling good.
Fatigue/Exhaustion
The number one reason people don’t participate in regular physical activity is from a lack of energy. If you’re tired, depressed or stressed out, you probably don’t want to engage in any physical activity, but did you know that exercising is actually a powerful energy booster? If you’re new to exercising, then at first you might feel more exhausted than you do energized, but once your body is immune to regular physical activity, then it becomes a great way to positively increase your energy levels.
Overwhelmed
For individuals with busy schedules, such as parents or people that travel for work, finding time to exercise can be overwhelming. When you’re dealing with stress, depression or anxiety, adding another task onto your list is the last thing you want to do. To get over this obstacle, think about exercise as a priority for your mental health. When you begin to look at it as a necessity to feeling your best self, you’ll find the time to fit it into even the busiest of schedules. Physical activity shouldn’t seem like a chore, it should be a release for your stressful days.
Hopelessness
For people that are new to working out, and even ones that never miss a workout day, the feeling of being hopeless is common. Maybe you aren’t seeing the results you want, or maybe you’ve given up hope that exercising can make your body feel better. To overcome this obstacle, start slow when it comes to physical activity. If you aren’t used to regular exercise, then don’t jump head first into a tough workout. It can be draining and not fun and you might even experience a pulled muscle or other injury. All of these things can make you feel hopeless when it comes to finding a workout regimen that works best for you. Try different activities such as water aerobics, dancing, walking with a friend or family member, or even joining a group fitness class.
No Confidence
The saying “you’re your own worst critic” isn’t a joke. We are always hard on ourselves from time to time. Another obstacle you might encounter when trying to exercise is your loss of confidence, or just not feeling good about yourself. Maybe you don’t want to visit a gym because you think you’ll be judged for your appearance. Remember that you are doing this for yourself and nobody else. Being able to find a regular workout routine that benefits you, is the most important thing for gaining confidence, losing weight, gaining energy, and your mental health. Whatever that workout regimen is (walking, running, dancing, swimming, weight lifting, group fitness classes etc.), you want to have the confidence to get through it every day and the confidence that you are doing what’s necessary to make your body and mind strong and healthy.
Pain
A common reason that people don’t workout or exercise, is the feeling of pain in one or more areas of their bodies. As we age, our muscles, joints and bones age with us. Some might experience pain from an old accident or injury that never quite healed or never went away and the thought of having to exercise seems impossible. To overcome this obstacle, talk to your doctor about recommended exercises you can partake in. This might include shorter, less intense workouts, or exercising in water to take pressure off of your joints and muscles.
We all overcome obstacles each and every day. The obstacles of working out and exercising are no different, we just have to find ways to get over them. Visit Gator Fitness in Sheffield and Florence, Alabama for more information on group fitness classes and more.
