Common Healthy Lifestyle Barriers
We all live very hectic lives and sometimes you might come across barriers to leading a healthy and active lifestyle. So we are going to simplify 10 common healthy lifestyle barriers and go over how you can overcome them.
1.Lack of Time
As a personal trainer lack of time is hands down the most common barrier/excuse I hear. On the contrary 99 percent of people I talk to do have enough time, it often comes down to lifestyle choices. Past President Barack Obama i’m sure was a pretty busy individual, who still made time for his workouts. I’m sure if a president can, you can also find time. Anyways, assuming you are the busiest individual in the word let’s break down some ways you can inch out more time for your workouts!
- Identify available time slots in your schedule throughout the week, can be as little as 10-30 minute slots for physical activity.
- Include more activity in everyday activities. For instance, walk or ride your bike to work, park farther away from your destination, take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Find activities which do not take a lot of time which are easy to incorporate daily such as walking, jogging, and biking
- This is a killer, cut down on screen time. Your Netflix playlist can wait.
2. Too Tired or Have No Energy
We all have our highs and lows throughout the day. Sometimes it is a matter of consuming foods which are better sources of energy or finding times in the day you naturally function better.
- Sounds crazy but often works, convince yourself you have energy to start the workout. Often times when you get started and your blood starts pumping your body will find the energy to get through the workout.
- Identify times in the day you generally have more energy and schedule your workouts during those times.
3. Family, Friends and Social Influence
Sometimes when other people including your friends and family know your fitness goals it gives you more motivation to stay on track.
- Invite your friends or family to workout with you, having a workout partner can be very motivating.
- Join an active group, club or rec sports team.
- Develop friendships with physically active people as often you become like the people you hang around.
4. Lack of Motivation
Working out is easy when motivation is high, the key is to still stay consistent on the days you are not feeling your best.
- Planning is key, make physical activity a regular part of your routine so that it becomes habit.
- Social influence can be a great help with motivation, recruit your friends and family for backup.
- Group training, try classes.
5.Fear of Embarrassment/ Lack of Skill
Most people in the gym are there to do their own workout and will not be paying attention to you anyways. Sorry, but most people really don’t care about you.
- Try activities that require no or little new skills like walking and jogging etc.
- Get a personal trainer/coach which can help you develop your skills (Looking for guidance)?
6. Travel Frequently
It can be challenging to create a routine if you travel a lot. We can still help!
- Find hotels with fitness centers.
- Walk the halls or stairs of your hotel.
- Carry light equipment such as resistance bands and a skipping rope so you can workouts in your room.
Do you have any other roadblock we are missing. Comment below in the comment section and let us know some of the barriers you face when it comes to leading an active lifestyle.
