Hey there, fitness friends! Ever had one of those days where the thought of lacing up your running shoes sounds about as appealing as a root canal? Yep, me too. We’ve all faced those walls that seem insurmountable. But guess what? They’re not. Today, we’re going to chat about overcoming common exercise barriers – and trust me, we’ve all encountered them.
Barrier #1: Lack of Time
“There’s just not enough time in the day!” How many times have we heard—or said—that? It’s a classic, but fear not, I have some personal tips that might help you!
- Scheduling workouts like appointments. I’ve started putting them into my calendar as if they were business meetings. No backing out!
- Splitting up workouts. 15 minutes in the morning before work, 10 minutes during lunch, and another 15 minutes in the afternoon. Boom, you’ve got a 40-minute workout!
- Multitasking. I often catch up on my favorite shows while jogging on the treadmill. Killing two birds with one stone, right?
Barrier #2: Lack of Energy
Let’s face it, after a long day at work, physical activity might be the last thing on your mind. I’ve also been there, and here’s what I found works:
- Adopting a balanced diet. According to a study by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, food plays a massive role in energy levels[1].
- Getting enough sleep.
- Staying hydrated. I never leave home without my water bottle!
Barrier #3: Lack of Motivation
Who hasn’t struggled with motivation? We all have those days where the couch and a bag of chips are far more enticing than a sweaty workout.
- Setting goals. Personally, I am a big fan of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Find a workout buddy. I have my dog, Baxter. He never lets me skip a day!
- A rewarding system. For instance, for every ten workouts, I allow myself a treat. It’s amazing how effective a little incentive can be!
To wrap things up, yes, exercise barriers can be annoying. But, with a bit of planning, commitment, and maybe some creativity, we can overcome them. Here’s to getting back on track or simply remaining on track! Remember, it’s all about the journey, not the destination.
[1]“Diet, physical activity, and feelings of energy and fatigue: what is the relationship?”, International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2004.