Why we don’t exercise

We live in an age of quick fixes, rapid results and instant gratification, where time equals money.

So it seems that many people consider that exercise requires too much time, money and gruelling workouts with slow results, with other “magic bullets” promising instant results. Although incorrect, these might be barriers to exercise for some.

Here are some other barriers - tick those that apply to you. Perhaps you:

  • Lack time in your day
  • Are too busy and stressed to add extra things in your day
  • Think physical activity is boring
  • Don’t know how to exercise
  • Think you are too old
  • Fear injury and already have some aches and pains
  • Think exercise is going to be a costly activity
  • Had a bad experience with exercise in your past
  • Don’t like to sweat and feel breathless
  • Don’t know who can join you

Although these barriers might appear insurmountable, they can be resolved if you really put your mind to it!

So what can we do about it?

Let’s look at some of the really the positive aspects of being physically active.

Wouldn’t you like to:

  • Live longer and decrease your risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases of lifestyle?
  • Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight?
  • Improve your bone density and reduce your risk of osteoporosis and fractures?
  • Feel more energetic?
  • Be fitter and stronger?
  • Decrease feelings of stress, anxiety and/or depression? If you are experiencing symptoms of depression please reach out to your Health Care Practitioner.
  • Sleep better?
  • Feel better about your body and about how you look?
  • Be a good role model for your children and family?
  • Discover new activities, explore opportunities and have more fun?

Now ask yourself:

Are there benefits that you find desirable that inspire you?

Are you prepared to tackle the barriers that have prevented you being active in the past?

If the answers to these two questions are YES, then you can get out of the rut of inactivity and start benefiting immediately!

10 September 2020

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