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Barriers to fitness: Overcoming common challenges

9. I'm afraid I'll hurt myself if I exercise

If you're nervous about injuring yourself, start off with simple activities such as walking and take it slowly.

  • Take it slowly. Start with a simple walking program. Warm up before you exercise, and cool down when you're finished. As you become more confident in your abilities, add new activities to your routine.
  • Try an exercise class for beginners. You'll learn the basics by starting from the beginning.
  • Get professional help. Get a fitness tutorial from a certified expert, who can monitor your movements and point you in the right direction. If you've had a previous injury or you have a medical condition, you may want to consult your doctor or an exercise therapist for help designing a fitness program appropriate for you.

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