People have great intentions with respect to their health, but there are 3 big things stopping people from exercising as they would like. So with that in mind, what follows will highlight those issues and how to overcome them. In this way, you will then have a better chance of being successful with your exercise plan/goals.

1. People use time as their #1 excuse. “Lack of time” is the most comment reason I hear that people do not exercise. But why? They focus on work, family, anything but themselves, often to the detriment of their own health. But this does not need to be the case. Each day holds 1440 minutes. If we subtract 8 hours for sleeping and say 8 hours for work that leave an additional 480 minutes or 8 hours. What do you do with this time? If you carved out just 30 minutes per day for exercise or something you find healthy that still leaves 7.5 hours. When put in this context, most everyone would agree that there should be time each day. Granted this math is a bit simplistic but hopefully you get the gist. Time is present to exercise IF it is moved up the priority list.
2. Injury, illness, or condition. Ok, valid things which might prevent exercise…temporarily. This is where a team of health professionals is hopefully helping you out. Do you have a doctor managing whatever medications are necessary? Is your condition being medically managed? Are your injuries being looked after by a rehab professional? If you answered NO to any of these questions then this is where you need to START. Get a team in place to guide you to a place where you feel that exercise is possible.
3. Don’t know where to begin. Ah…great. You want to start but just don’t know where to start. You have already decided you do have time and should exercise for your health and those you love. You have addressed any injuries or conditions which might impact your ability to be physically active. So now you are ready. The next question is what do you enjoy? When it comes to exercise, you want to do something you enjoy or think you will. Nothing will stop an exercise routine faster than not enjoying it. This could be the place to try out a variety of activities. This could be going to the gym, taking a yoga or pilates class, trying out pickleball or tennis or whatever you think looks fun. Then find a friend to join in with you. Sharing an activity with someone else tends to enhance enjoyment and help people to be more consistent with their exercise program.

Now that you know the 3 BIG things stopping people from exercising, are you READY? Ready to get moving for your health? Hopefully so.

And should you have questions about how to begin due to some injury that needs rehab, then CLICK this LINK for help.