Ten Fitness Obstacles and Their Solutions

[ozzzyyy]

Oh how I need this as I'd rather *play* on the computer than go exercise. I need this advise and must take action.

Ginger

 

 

Ten Fitness Obstacles and Their Solutions

BY EDEL JARBOE

 

Obstacle 1: "I don't feel like working out today."

 

Whenever you feel tempted to skip your exercise routine or to put starting one off altogether, remind yourself of the reasons why you want to exercise. Write it down on an index card and read it whenever you feel like blowing off your health. Why do you want to get fit? How will being in shape benefit your life?

 

Obstacle 2: "I'm just not motivated to exercise."

 

Setting specific daily or weekly fitness goals helps you to focus on your performance and keeps you motivated. For example, committing to working out four days a week or walking five miles gives you a specific fitness target to aim for and makes it easier for you to make the time to exercise. It is also helpful to keep a record of your fitness performance so that you can up the stakes and stay challenged. Most importantly, you can provide ongoing motivation by rewarding yourself at the end of each week or month with a pedicure, massage, or new workout gear.

 

Obstacle 3: "I don't have time to exercise."

 

Schedule your fitness workouts for the week with a specific time, location, and activity. When you do this, you eliminate the excuse of not having enough time to workout. Quite simply, you make the time and honor this appointment with yourself.

 

Obstacle 4: "I have a hard time staying motivated."

 

Keep a workout journal. Tracking your progress helps you to see how far you've come. Record the date, activity, how long you worked out or how many reps you completed, and how you felt afterward. You could also keep track of your measurements and how you feel about your body as it becomes stronger and leaner.

 

Obstacle 5: "I'm too busy to exercise."

 

On crazy-busy days, instead of skipping your workout, do a mini-

version of it. For example, if you don't have time for your usual one-hour step video, scale it down to 30 minutes using just the of warm-up and the beginner's level. Not only will you feel good about yourself but you will also maintain your fitness schedule. Being too busy is no longer an excuse because you can also take a couple of 10 or 15-minute fitness breaks during the day. Even on our busiest days we can find at least this much time for ourselves. The point is to keep moving so that we don't start using this excuse all the time and sabotage our fitness plan.

 

Obstacle 6: "I got sick and haven't exercised in months."

 

Always have a backup fitness plan. Be creative and come up with

alternative fitness solutions for when you are out of town, bored, or in a time crunch. Planning for setbacks keeps you in control of your fitness. Working out before you go to work, at lunchtime, or adding a new activity to your fitness repertoire are all good solutions to the above fitness obstacles.

 

Obstacle 7: "I'm not a fitness buff. I don't really like to

exercise."

 

Develop a fitness mindset anyway. When you see yourself as a walker, runner, or a step video queen exercise becomes second nature. How can you identify yourself as a fitness buff? Keep a regular exercise schedule and make your workout time as important as the other areas of your life.

 

Obstacle 8: "I don't like working out alone."

 

Find a workout buddy. Having someone else there on your road to

fitness makes workouts more fun and adds the spirit of competition to your routine. You also keep each other motivated. Make sure your exercise partner has the same fitness goals and that you both commit to a regular workout schedule.

 

Obstacle 9: "I'm bored with my exercise routine."

 

Okay, so you've gotten your exercise routine down. Four times a week you run the same five miles. Yawn. Suddenly you don't feel like going for your run anymore. Spice it up. Look for new ways to make your workout fun and exciting. Try a new route or cross train. Alternate your running days with spinning classes, hiking, or rock climbing.

 

Obstacle 10: "I'll always be out of shape."

 

Acknowledge that your fitness is under your control and that you have the power to take charge of your health. Believe that you can make it happen.

 

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Edel Jarboe is the founder of Self Help for Her.com (http://www.selfhelpforher.com), an online self-help magazine helping you create your better life. She also publishes a free weekly newsletter, which features advice on goal setting, stress management, coping with difficult people, and overcoming obstacles: Subscribe (mailto:subscribe@selfhelpforher.com) and receive a FREE stress report.

 

Copyright © 2001 by Edel Jarboe. All Rights Reserved.

 

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[logcabinmama]

Ginger, these all sound so familiar to most of us.

 

(((((HUGS)))))