The Biggest Barriers To Fitness (And How To Break Them Down)
Contributing post
It’s hard to believe that we’re now a month into the new year and the new decade. But if January wasn’t all that you hoped it would be in terms of meeting your fitness goals, don’t fret. Many fall short of their own expectations, especially if it’s been some time since they last made a serious effort to get fit. If things are going well for you and you’re smashing your targets… that’s awesome! But if your progress hasn’t been all that you hoped it would be, that’s absolutely no reason to give up.
It’s most likely not laziness or apathy that’s standing in your way. Even if you have the mindset of an athlete, it can be hard to achieve your goals when you don’t have the schedule of one. If you’re serious about smashing your goals in 2020, you need to identify the barriers to your fitness and know-how to break them down to be the best version of yourself...
Unrealistic expectations
If you were expecting to see tangible results within a month, don’t be disheartened if the fruits of your labors aren’t necessarily seen in the mirror. The work you’re putting in now is building a strong foundation on which great results will be built. When you look at a beautiful building, can you see the foundations? No. But without them, the whole structure falls down. It may take 3 months or more for you to start to see the results of your hard work, and it could take at least 6 months for you to look and feel noticeably different.
Busy lifestyle
It can be really hard to find the time to work out, especially if you’re a busy professional, stressed executive or working parent for whom there are just never enough hours in the day. If you struggle to find time in the afternoon or evening, try instead of working out in the morning, even if it’s just going for a jog or a brisk walk. It’s a great way to flood the brain with endorphins and get the day off to a positive start.
Boredom
The simple truth is that working out at the gym isn’t for everyone. And if you find the gym a boring or uncomfortable environment, it’s really hard to change your own mind about that. But if the gym isn’t working out for you, there are plenty of other options. Join a local dance school, join a running or sports team or see what martial arts classes are available in the area. These are all great ways to get in shape while learning new skills and meeting new people.
Lack of support
You don’t live in a vacuum, which is why it’s so much harder to make positive changes to your life in one. And if your partner or other family members aren’t supportive and accommodating it can be hard to make the necessary lifestyle changes that lead to lifelong fitness. If you’re not getting the support you need from your family, try seeing if one of your family and friends will be your gym buddy.
This can help you to be more motivated and accountable, while also helping you to share in the joy of one another’s progress.
For more fitness inspiration and barre workouts visit Nadia Murdock Fit on Instagram @NadiaMurdock and the NMFIT Blog!