Exercise has many benefits, including improved mood, increased energy, and weight loss. For many of us, finding motivation or making time for regular exercise may be challenging. It can also be difficult to stay motivated when faced with an injury or other medical issues that prevent us from doing certain activities. We'll discuss overcoming some common barriers to exercise.
Lack of Motivation
One of the most common reasons people don't exercise is a need for more motivation. This can be especially true if you're just starting or returning to exercise after taking a break. To help combat this issue, it's important to set achievable goals and plan how you'll reach them. Having a clear timeline and specific milestones will make it easier to track your progress and stay motivated along the way. Additionally, try mixing up your workout routine by trying different activities or classes, so you visit energized with your workouts over time.
Time Constraints
Another barrier is needing more time for exercise. Before getting discouraged, take a step back and consider how much time you need. Even 10-15 minutes of activity daily can make a difference in your overall health and well-being. Consider squeezing in quick bursts of exercise throughout the day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or taking a brief walk during lunchtime or after dinner. You could even look at at-home fitness streaming services that offer short videos designed for busy lifestyles!
Injury/Medical Issue Prevention/Recovery
If you've sustained an injury or have another medical issue that prevents you from engaging in certain types of physical activity, try talking with your doctor about ways to modify your usual routine while still getting some form of exercise each day. Depending on what type of injury/issue you're dealing with, they may recommend exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening particular muscles or joints not to aggravate any existing conditions further while still relieving pain/discomfort. In addition, talk with a physical therapist who can guide exercises specifically tailored to your needs and limitations and provide tips for preventing future injuries/issues from occurring again.
Whether it’s due to a lack of motivation, time constraints, or medical issues/injuries - there’s no shortage of barriers that can prevent us from exercising regularly and reaping all its benefits. Thankfully, we can use several strategies to help overcome these obstacles and start feeling physically and mentally better! From setting achievable goals and tracking progress along the way - to squeezing in quick bursts of activity throughout our daily routines - to consulting with professionals like doctors and physical therapists - there are plenty of ways to work around common barriers to exercise so we can get moving!
