Barriers to An Active and Healthy Lifestyle
"I'm too busy. It′s too expensive. It′s not fun." Sound familiar? Unfortunately, these have been some of the prevalent attitudes and barriers towards fitness and physical activity. Despite of the many benefits, there are still many obstacles that prevent individuals from adopting active choices. In order for people to take up and maintain healthy lifestyles -and not give up soon afterwards- it is important for them to understand some hurdles that they may encounter along the way. The following is a list to help identify some barriers to fitness and some possible solutions:
Case 1: There's no Time
In our modern lifestyles, there just seems to be no room for fitness while already juggling our over-demanding schedules. With our jobs, school, family, and social life, people often push fitness plans behind "more pressing matters". For other people, it may be simply a case of irregular exercise with no set timetable for fitness commitments.
Solution: Make fitness work for you with planning and organizing. Try to layout a training schedule and commit yourself to it. Living actively doesn't necessarily mean going to the gym. For example, you can walk or bike to school, take a break every 15 minutes and move around, walk up the stairs rather than take the elevator, or park further away from the shopping mall. Everything adds up.
Case 2: I have no Money (don't we all)
Not everyone has disposable income to join gyms and afford membership or personal training costs. On the other hand, others many believe these are the only options available to meet fitness goals.
Solution: Same as above. Take advantage of free opportunities: play sports with friends, walk the dog, bike, skate, go hiking, the possibilities are endless. As well, many fitness facilities offer discounts and offers throughout the year. Alternatively, individuals can obtain fitness instruction from books, videos and the Internet, all which are accessible at the local library.
Case 3: This just isn't right for me
Whether it is from physical or medical conditions, or repetitive and boring routines, there are inevitably times when we find our training programs unproductive. Conversely, it may be that fear and uncertainty or personal traumas from previous experiences that prevent people from becoming active. Regardless, there are many emotional barriers that impede many people from participating in physical activities.
Solution: Explore, research, and communicate to determine what you enjoy that can meet your goals. Take things slowly. Most people don't achieve their goals overnight. At the same time, physical activity should be varied and creative to keep you motivated. Find friends who are willing to work with you and encourage you to progress.
Case 4: Fitness? What is there not to know?
Unfortunately, this attitude has led to many myths about exercise and physical activity. For instance, exercise must be difficult and hurt in order to improve, it makes muscles bigger, and exercise takes great skill or I will be injured.
Solution: Listen to informed and knowledgeable fitness instructors rather than misadvised individuals. Research about fitness and different activities. Exercise doesn't have to hurt; it is about gradual progress and improvement. Different training programs will have different effects, hypertrophy only one of them. Exercise does take skill, but careful and proper execution prevents injury.
Related Pages:
Nutritional Info - Use Canada's Food Guide to find out what makes a balanced meal.
Body Mass Index - Use a BMI calculator gain a rough indicator of your present health level.
Weight Training Basics - Get started on your fitness resolutions with a weight training routine.
