Finding the time and interest to build physical activity into your daily life can sometimes be difficult. We can all come up with lots of barriers to avoid exercise.
The best type of physical exercise is to do what you enjoy, is within your capabilities, you have the resources for and will be sustainable.
I have listed below several common barriers to physical activity. Do you recognise any that may apply to you?
- insufficient time to exercise
- inconvenience of exercise
- lack of self-motivation
- non-enjoyment of exercise
- boredom with exercise
- lack of confidence in their ability to be physically active (low self-efficacy)
- fear of being injured or having been injured recently
- lack of self-management skills, such as the ability to set personal goals, monitor
- progress, or reward progress toward such goals
- lack of encouragement, support, or companionship from family and friends
- non-availability of parks, sidewalks, bicycle trails, or safe and pleasant walking
- illness or disability
- cost
- facilities
- illness or injury
- transportation
- partner issues
- skill
- safety considerations
- child care
- uneasiness with change
- unsuitable programs
- exercise/gym intimidation
Make a list from the list above or add your own reasons that might apply to you. Think of some ways to get around these barriers to enable you to achieve your exercise goals.
You may find it helpful to discuss your needs with a personal trainer, your doctor, exercise physiologist or a life coach.
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