Over the years, I have encountered a countless number of people that want to live a healthier, fuller life. But for one reason or another, they just never get started. They have their reasons, of course (don’t we all?)
I truly believe that the obstacles we put in our own ways aren’t always a result of bad luck, or lack of time. Below are a few of the common reasons why people give up or never start a fitness regime.
Most importantly, below are also a few tips on how to get back on track.
Illness
As someone who deals with a debilitating illness on a daily (well hourly really) basis, I know how tough it can be to try and stay in a fit and healthy shape. Not only is it a physical struggle, but a mental one, too.
Everyone is different and facing their own personal battles, but being ill or suffering from a condition doesn’t have to mean you give up any fitness dreams.
There is also evidence to support the idea that exercise can help you deal with your symptoms and get back on the road to a normal life.
One of the simplest things to remember; do what you can with what you have. If you can’t manage a sprint, take a jog instead. Or, if that’s too much, a brisk walk.
The point is to be as active as you can and to use fitness goals as a way of managing your condition.
Injury
A severe injury can be devastating for anyone, but it can have an enormous impact on people who already enjoy a healthy lifestyle. When you can’t do your normal workout, you can feel depressed, angry, and useless.
It’s important, then, to acknowledge how you are feeling, and come up with a plan of action that you can use to lay out your goals.
The first of those should be getting professional help. Let’s say that you twist the ligaments in your knee. Without effective knee injury & knee pain treatment, you are going to be out of action for much longer.
The next step is to work out a plan with your physician and physiotherapist. They will go through ways of getting back on track with you, one step at a time. It’s all about making small steps towards a full recovery. Although it can be frustrating, you don’t want to overexert yourself and do even more damage.
Motivation
Motivation issues are one of the biggest blocks for people who need to get fitter. In their minds, they want the results, but they just can’t get started on the right path. There are two things you need to do if you suffer from motivational issues.
The first is to work on your patience. You aren’t going to get results from your first session in the gym – and there is a long road ahead.
The second is to develop more of a drive and be more disciplined. Remind yourself of your goals every day, and keep telling yourself why you want to get fit.
Even if it’s something as shallow as wanting to be in better shape for a beach vacation, it’s good enough to keep you on track!
Do you have any obstacles to getting fit? If so, how do you deal with them? Let me know in the comments – and feel free to offer any other advice!
Rebecca
April 14, 2016Great tips and it’s great to hear from someone who has a illness, too. I couldn’t run or jog, but I try and go for a short walk when I can manage, but again, I don’t want to push myself and be wrecked after a little exercise.
Linda Manns Linneman
April 18, 2016This is such a great article. It fits me to a T. I will be thinking about this article alot and taking your suggestions. I seem to dislike exercise so I have to find a way to make it fun and keep motivated. Thank you for sharing