Creating and sticking to a fitness routine has a plethora of benefits that extend beyond physical appearance. You’ll not only tone your body but also improve your mental health, reduce stress levels, increase energy levels, and more. Plus, working out releases endorphins, a feel-good hormone that naturally boosts your mood. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that so many people make fitness a priority.
But what if you find it hard to get started or to keep going on a fitness routine? If you’re having trouble making fitness a part of your life, you’re not alone. Here are some of the most common roadblocks, along with some tips for overcoming them:
You don’t have time
This is probably the most common objection to exercise, but it’s also the easiest to overcome. First, consider how much time you actually need. A moderate aerobic workout can be as short as 30 minutes daily, while a more vigorous routine may take 45 minutes or more. And you don’t have to do it all at once; three 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day can be just as effective as one more extended period of activity.
If you can’t find even 30 minutes in your schedule, look for ways to incorporate physical activity into your everyday life. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or biking to work instead of driving, and doing household chores with more vigor are great ways to get extra exercise. Every little bit counts.
You’re too tired
It’s no secret that working out can be exhausting, especially if you’re not used to it. However, research has shown that regular physical activity can give you more energy in the long run by improving your sleep quality and overall fitness level. So if you’re tired, a bit of exercise may be just what you need to get over that hump. Just be sure to start slowly and listen to your body; pushing yourself too hard when you’re already exhausted will only make things worse.
You don’t have enough money
Joining a gym or hiring a personal trainer can definitely get pricey. Still, there are plenty of ways to get fit on a budget. Walking and running are free, and endless YouTube videos and apps provide guidance for at-home workouts using nothing more than your own body weight. If you really want to splurge on something, invest in a good pair of sneakers—they’ll last longer and be more comfortable than cheap ones, which means you’ll be more likely to stick with your new fitness routine.
You don’t see results right away
It takes time and consistency to see results from exercise, which can be frustrating when you’re eager to slim down or tone up ASAP. Remember that even if the number on the scale isn’t changing (or isn’t changing as fast as you’d like), your body is still benefiting from exercise in myriad other ways—improved heart health, stronger bones, and muscles, better mental health, increased energy levels…the list goes on and on. Just keep at it, and those results will eventually come. And in the meantime, try not to focus too much on appearance-based goals; they tend to be elusive and can lead to disappointment and demotivation.
Instead, strive for accomplishments that are within your control, such as being able to run for 20 minutes without stopping or being able to add 10 pounds to your bench press max. These types of progress markers are much more satisfying—and motivating—in the long run.
You have a physical condition that makes exercise difficult
If you have a chronic illness or other physical condition that makes exercise difficult, you need to identify exactly what it is to find the best treatment and commit to a fitness routine.
Many conditions can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, but some require advanced treatments. For example, exercising can be difficult and dangerous if you have scoliosis. In this case, you should consider scoliosis private treatment. This treatment will help improve your quality of life and make scoliosis exercise possible by lessening your pain, correcting your posture, and improving your flexibility. It will also help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Whatever your condition is, don’t give up on exercise altogether. Some adaptions and accommodations can be made to allow you to safely participate in physical activity. Work with your doctor or a physical therapist to devise the right plan for you, and then get moving.
No matter your roadblock, there is a way to overcome it and start seeing the results you want from your fitness routine. Once again, these are only the most common ones, but there are undoubtedly others as well. The important thing is to be honest with yourself, identify any barriers preventing you from sticking to a workout plan, and take steps to address them. Once you do that, the sky’s the limit—you can achieve anything you set your mind to.