Overcoming obstacles to exercise
Obstacles to exercising are very common. They include feeling tired, depressed, or anxious; dealing with stressors like work, family, or financial issues; being too busy; and having no motivation. This article looks at what those challenges might be and suggests ways to overcome them.
Already Feeling Exhausted
Many people find themselves fighting fatigue while trying to exercise. If you’ve been sedentary for a long time, your muscles may be sore and stiff. You may also experience pain in your joints and muscles. These symptoms are normal, but they can interfere with your ability to move well and keep up a consistent workout routine.
Feeling Too Stressed To Start
When you’re tired, depressed or stressed, it seems like working out won’t do much good. But the truth is that exercise is a powerful energizer—and even small amounts of movement can boost energy levels. Try moving around every hour or so during the day to give yourself a chance to stretch, stand up, walk around, or lift something light.
Having No Time
Being too busy often gets in the way of getting regular exercise. In fact, research shows that busy schedules are associated with lower rates of physical activity. So, try scheduling your workouts into your daily schedule rather than waiting until you have time. And remember that even short bursts of activity throughout the day can count toward meeting your weekly goal.
Lacking Motivation
Lack of motivation is one of the most common reasons why people don’t exercise. For many people, the idea of starting a fitness program feels overwhelming because they lack confidence about their abilities or aren’t sure where to begin. There’s nothing wrong with being hesitant about beginning a new fitness plan – in fact, we expect it!
Being In Pain
Consult your doctor about safe exercise options if you have a handicap, a serious weight issue, arthritis, or any other condition or disease that affects your mobility. Pain shouldn’t be ignored; instead, you should take action when you can. If it helps, break up your workout time into shorter, more frequent intervals. You may also try exercising in water to ease any joint or muscle pain.