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Health & Fitness

Conquer Your Biggest Fitness Barriers

Are you letting excuses stop you from working out? In Part 2, we stop those excuses in their tracks and get moving.

Last time I posted, we talked about how to overcome the 2 biggest obstacles that get in people's way and keep them from exercising on a consistent, regular basis. But those are just the two biggest tips of the excuse iceberg. 

The excuses to avoid working out seem to just naturally flow. Added up over time, excuse-making is the #1 culprit for the number of gym memberships that drop off dramatically a couple months after that initial New Year's Resolution rush. We start off working out with the best of intentions, but find it hard to keep at it long enough to see results. Here are a few ways to overcome these natural urges to resist what’s best for you.

Are You Self-Conscious About How You Look At The Gym?

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• Remind yourself that you’re there for a good cardiovascular workout and to feel stronger.

• Consider going to the gym at low-traffic times — late at night, on weekends, or early morning.

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• Join a boot camp or class where the class is comprised of beginners like yourself.

Do You Frequently Feel Too Tired After Work To Hit The Gym?

• Try working out in the morning by getting up 30-60 minutes earlier than usual.

• Take a brisk walk during your lunch break to keep your mind active and focused.

• Go to bed earlier so you will get enough rest to tackle an afternoon workout.

• Eat foods that are high in lean proteins combined with a complex carb.

• On your days off from work, roll out of bed and get right into your workout clothes.

Do You Feel Too Lazy To Work Out?

• Start off slow, walking around the block each day until your energy picks up.

• Plan your exercise around times of the day when you feel more energized.

• Schedule your fitness activities into your day planner as you would any activity.

Are You Bogged Down By Past Failures?

• Set realistic goals for yourself, such as exercising 20-30 minutes a day, 3 days a week.

• Make short-term goals and reward yourself when you meet those goals.

• Work with a personal trainer who can psyche you up, mentally, and hold you accountable.

Do You Feel You Can’t Afford A Health Club Membership?

• Consider one of the more affordable group classes.

• Break it down and think about how much it will cost you per workout.

• Go with a friend on their “bring a free friend” workout days.

• You can get a great workout in your home with just your bodyweight (or invest in some low priced equipment options).

• Try a fun exercise video that includes dance aerobics or cardio-kickboxing.

Are You Afraid You’ll Hurt Yourself?

• Work with a personal trainer who will make sure you are progressing at a good pace.

• Be sure to stretch and warm-up for at least five minutes before each workout.

• Take a group class where you will start from scratch and learn all the basics.

Between last week's post and this one, I think I have covered the bulk of excuses that keep you from working out. Now...stop making excuses and get moving!


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