Articles
Barriers to fitness: Overcoming common challenges
Content
1. I don't have enough time to exercise
2. I think exercise is boring
3. I'm self-conscious about how I look
4. I'm too tired to exercise after work
5. I'm too lazy to exercise
6. I'm not athletic
7. I've tried to exercise in the past and failed
8. I can't afford health club fees
9. I'm afraid I'll hurt myself if I exercise
10. My family doesn't support my efforts
1. I don't have enough time to exercise
Setting aside time to exercise can be a challenge. Use a little creativity to get the most out of your time.
- Squeeze in short walks throughout the day. If you don't have time for a full workout, don't worry about it. Any amount of activity is better than none at all. Shorter bursts of exercise, such as taking short walk breaks a few times during the day, offer benefits too. Aim to work your way up to exercising about 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Get up earlier. If your days are packed and the evening hours are busy, get up 30 minutes earlier a few times a week to exercise. Once you've adjusted to early-morning workouts, add another day or two to the routine.
- Drive less, walk more. Park in the back row of the parking lot or even a few blocks away and walk to your destination.
- Revamp your rituals. Your weekly Saturday matinee with the kids or your best friend could be reborn as your weekly Saturday bike ride, rock-climbing lesson or trip to the pool.
