JENSEN BEACH — All too often we say we are going to do something good for ourselves only to let an insignificant event ruin those plans.
We let inclement weather, minor colds, vacations, holidays or family "emergencies" get in our way of realizing our potential. Maybe it is not any of those at all, but us that set up the roadblocks; what if you start a fitness program and it works? Now you have another activity you have to add to your already busy schedule, right? Let's face it, the fear of success or change can be great and for many it prevents us from reaching our potential and achieving greatness.
Here are some of the roadblocks we place in our way to prevent ourselves from succeeding:
time, social influence, energy, willpower, fear, skill, resources.
Lack of time: This is the No. 1 obstacle or excuse most use when talking themselves out of exercise. "My day is so busy now; I just don't think I can make time for exercise," "My free time during the day is too short" or “exercise takes too much time away from commitments like work and family.” For many it is easier to make these rationalizations than find the time to exercise. Fact is, exercise need not take a lot of our time. Those that get around these barriers find the time they do exercise becomes very precious to them. I recommend not looking for the time, but rather making the time. Get up earlier and exercise, it is the best way to start the day!
Social influence: “None of my family or friends like to do anything active” or “I’m embarrassed about how I look when I exercise with others.” These social influences have a large impact on our activity level. Make an effort to increase the positive influences by finding a friend or co-worker who does choose to exercise and use them as a model. Those people you are embarrassed to exercise in front of likely felt the same way you do when they started.
Lack of Energy: “I’m just too tired after work to exercise,” "I don't get enough sleep as it is. I can't get up earlier or stay up late to exercise," or “I’m too tired during the week and need the weekends to catch up.” This is a mindset… the first thing to do is to change your mindset.
The excuses you use to not exercise are the same excuses you will use in every other aspect of your life. Start an activity even if you feel tired. Understand that you can stop if you absolutely cannot continue, but the next day, do it again. Many people do not realize how energized exercise can make you feel, but you have to give it a chance to work. Even the most dedicated stumble and sometimes fall, the difference is they get up to do it again.
Lack of willpower: “I want get in shape, but can’t seem to get started.” It is easier to find excuses not to exercise than to go out and do something or “I just have a hard time sticking to it.” For many, the lack of willpower is great and may be one of the hardest obstacles to overcome. Having a strong support system in place can help you stick to your resolve.
This is one of the top responses heard when asked why people work with a professional fitness coach. If it were not for their trainer they would likely do nothing at all. Not only does a trainer help you with your willpower, but they also help you become accountable for your own success. If you cannot afford a trainer one on one, find a facility that does small group training classes or enlist the help of a workout buddy and share the expense. BodyLogix Fitness offers both of these approaches.
Fear: “I’m getting older so exercise can be risky” or “Too many people hurt themselves by overdoing it in gyms.” Let’s face it, the old adage “No pain, no gain” has not helped many people get started towards a healthy lifestyle. A more positive adage would be “Good pain, all gain,” meaning, yes, you are going to feel some muscle soreness when you first begin an exercise program but the gains are well worth it and the soreness is temporary. Only the most archaic still hold dear the “No pain, no gain” attitude.
Lack of skill: “I don’t exercise because I never learned how,” “I’m too old to learn how to do that” or I’m just not good enough at physical activity.” These rationalizations refer back to fear, the fear of being embarrassed because you may not be able to perform an exercise as well as someone else. A good professional fitness coach will alleviate this fear by teaching you basic movements before progressing you to more complex and challenging exercises. A strong foundation must first be built. All skill is learned; few are born with absolute natural ability. A fitness coach who has the ability to modify any exercise or adapt their approach to teaching you skills relating to health and wellness is worth their weight in gold. Do your research when hiring a professional, they are not all alike. Make sure they have the education and skills to support your goals and meet your needs. There is a difference!
Lack of resources: “If we had exercise facilities and showers at work, then I would exercise more,” or “It’s just too expensive. Nothing could be further from the truth! The benefit of paying monthly dues to a fitness facility far outweighs the price of a single piece of exercise equipment that will likely sit unused at home. In addition, learning exercises that do not require specific pieces of equipment will better prepare you for those days when you can’t make it to the gym. Look for a facility that may offer small group classes.
We teach our clients the basics such as proper technique concerning pushups, squats, lunges, etc. This helps them build their “Fitness Toolbox” and find that this way of exercising better suits their needs, taking away the dependency to rely on specialized equipment. And finally, you always have with you the most important piece of exercise equipment ever made, your body. Put it to good use, it was designed to move.
Learn from your past - live in the present - create your future!
If you would like to have a fitness related question answered in this column please email it to Bodylogix@bellsouth.net[1] Please include the words “my fitness question” in the title.
Gary Peloquin LMT PFT is the owner/director of BodyLogix Fitness Inc.
He can be contacted at BodyLogix Fitness & Performance Center, 1050 NE Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. You can view BodyLogix Fitness at www.BODYLOGIX-FITNESS.COM.
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