6. Not Being Athletic

Some people fear that they cannot exercise because they are not naturally athletic. Old memories of being in the gym in elementary, middle, or high school and not enjoying those activities bother them.

• Begin with something simple like a walk daily.
• Meet up with others to help you motivate to work out.
• Take the pressure off. Instead of focusing on being an athlete, think about all the positive changes you are bringing to yourself and the improvements you see in your body and your mind.

7. Lack of Equipment/Access to Gym

Being a member of a gym has many rewards such as fitness classes, access to equipment, and possibly training with a personal fitness consultant. However, you can still exercise without a gym membership.

• Strength-train at home with resistance bands, small weights, or even substituting milk jugs filled with sand or water or canned goods for weights.
• Use your own body weight to do push-ups and squats.
• Exercise with exercise videos for yoga, dance aerobics, kickboxing, or other.
• Share videos with friends or check out different types of exercise videos at the video rental store or the library.
• Begin a walking group with friends and neighbors.
• Use the stairs as much as possible.

8. Fear of Triggering Pain or Injury

Sometimes, you may have a preexisting medical condition or are recovering from an injury or accident.

• Talk to your doctor or therapist to learn specific and targeted exercises to help you strengthen areas that are injured while still participating in a fitness program for your overall health.
• Aim for a few minutes of activity and slowly add in time and distance, giving yourself permission to begin at a low rate and to continue forward slowly at your own pace, thereby reducing the risk of injury while building strength.

9. Lack of Support from Friends or Family

Sometimes, the demands of family life, friendships, and partnerships can take their toll on your health, even unconsciously. Tell your loved ones of your new goal to be healthy and get fit.

• Join up for joint classes with your partner, friends, or kids.
• Incorporate physical activity into your daily regimen such as games with your kids, going for walks, etc.
• Be adventurous. Try out something new together such as a different kind of workout, going to a rock climbing gym, swimming outdoors together, etc.
• Find opportunities to walk while you are doing activities.

10. Feeling Lazy

Not exercising is like any other ingrained habit. If you pay attention, you can slowly change it. For many people, the idea of exercise makes them want to curl up and hide. They feel too lazy to get up off the couch.

• Begin with realistic expectations. Do not expect yourself to be an athlete overnight. Start out with a walk every day and keep it up till you feel tired. Just take it one day at a time.
• Pay attention to when you have energy. Workout during those times.
• Schedule your exercise into your daily planner so it is part of your life as much as meeting your friends for dinner, going to a business conference, or visiting the doctor.
• Tell your friends, partner, and family so that they will encourage you in your fitness goals.

11. Not Prepared

Exercising does not require a lot of preparation but failure to do a few simple things can make it more daunting or difficult at times.

Also, if you plan on exercising outdoors, be sure to dress appropriately and exercise in well-lit areas. Choose clothes that will help you handle changes in weather and that are suitable for the climate such as warm and dry clothes in cold weather and lighter fabrics for ventilation in the heat. You can always work out indoors at a gym or at home. Be sure to drink enough water, carry a water bottle, and stretch before engaging in any cardiovascular activity. Stay out of the hot sun on warm days and if you are exercising in snowy or icy conditions, be sure to layer up with enough warm clothes to keep you protected while your body adjusts. Walk and move with confidence. By following these tips, you will notice a significant improvement in your exercise and health habits, while boosting your energy and feeling good about yourself.

Resources:

The Washington Post. Mental Barriers Block Obese Women From Exercise. Oct 9, 2008.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/09/AR2008100901513.html