Common Barriers to Exercise

amberlynwellbeing
Dec 12, 2023
2 min read

Why don't you exercise? Why don't you exercise at the level you want to? There are reasons for our behaviors whether we are conscious of it or not.

This got me thinking about the possible barriers to exercise people can have. These barriers can be anything that makes it difficult to get enough exercise.

Some common examples:

Lack of time
Lack of support (friends and famly dont share interest in physical activity)
Lack of energy or motivation
Lack of resources or equipment
Family caregiving obligations
Frequent travel
Past failure
Lack of information
Perception of health

Some of these are internal barriers and others are external. Internal barriers can be overcome through social support, emphasizing exercise benefits, and increasing education surrounding the barriers.

External barriers on the other had can be overcome by raising awareness of the existing infrastructure in our lives and surrounding environments. For example, if you spend most of your work day sitting, implementing systems that reduce that time (getting up every hour or so, stretching the legs, etc.)

Solutions to some barriers:

Lack of time - Take stock of your day and time, are there slots when you have 10-30 minutes throughout your day?

Add physical activity to your daily routine (habit stacking)
Take advantage of community and work facilities and programs if applicable

Social Support - Explain your interest and ask for support

Invite friends and/or family to join you
Find people that are alos active through gyms, clubs, and online

Lack of Motivation - Plan ahead

Relying solely on motivation is not sustainable or realistic you have to a little firm with yourself
Join a group or class (can be in person or online)
Invite a friend

Lack of Energy - Schedule times of the day you feel more energetic

In the mornings and evenings I tend to have the most energy, while mid afternoon I have the least
Remember that exercise can increase your energy level (sometimes is my mid afternoon pick up)

Fear of Injury - Educate yourself on proper forms and your bodys ability

Learn warm ups and cool downs to prevent injury
Choose activities you are confident in doing - build upon that

Lack of Skill - educate yourself

Take a class, books, YouTube videos

High Cost & Lack of facilities

Choose activities that dont need a lot of equipment
Find inexpensive resources - parks, you can do a lot from your own home

While many of these barriers can present significant challenges they are not impossible to overcome. A fitness journey is a deeply personal one and addressing these barriers can be the first step in order to start engaging in a healthier and more active lifestyle.