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
10. My family doesn't support my efforts
Remind those close to you of the benefits of regular exercise, and then bring them along to exercise.
- Get moving with your kids. Sign up for a parent-child exercise class. Pack a picnic lunch and take your family to the park for a game of tag or kickball. Splash with the kids in the pool instead of watching from your chair.
- Propose a new adventure. Instead of suggesting a workout at the gym, invite a friend to go to an indoor climbing wall or rent a tandem bicycle for the weekend.
- Do double duty. Volunteer to drive your teens to the mall, and then walk laps inside while you wait for the shoppers. And try walking around your child's school during lessons, practices or rehearsals.
If necessary, have a heart-to-heart talk with your loved ones. If they don't share your fitness ambitions, ask them to at least respect your desire to get fit.
