Most of us know that regular exercise is imperative to our health. But the sad truth is that less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis, and only one-third of adults fit in the recommended amount of exercise per week. When you work full-time, juggling family commitments and some semblance of a social life seems tough enough without worrying about when you can head to the gym. But if you don’t make exercise a priority now, you’ll likely regret it later. Plus, physical activity will help you sleep better, will allow you to be more productive, and will make you feel happier overall. Still, even knowing all that, you may have some workout hurdles to overcome. Here’s how to deal with some of them.
PROBLEM: You hate working out in front of other people.
Not everyone likes group exercise. Although Zumba and SoulCycle may be fun for your friends, these classes might be your worst nightmare. You might feel vulnerable and assume that everyone is judging your body or your abilities. The truth is that no one really cares what you look like; they’re focused on what they’re doing. But if you still can’t relax, try observing a class first if you can or reminding yourself that all you have to do is try your best. No one is expecting perfection and no one is being graded on their technique. This class is for your benefit, so don’t sell yourself short. Make a commitment to going to this class at least four times in the first month. Simply being there may allow you to get over your discomfort. It might also help to sign up for a more expensive class; if you have money riding on your fitness, it might encourage you to not wimp out.
PROBLEM: You always have an excuse to not work out in the morning.
Sometimes, early morning workouts will be your only option to get your fitness on. But when your bed is so warm and cozy and you’re running low on sleep, it can be nearly impossible to get yourself going. You might want to consider switching up your alarm from something soothing to something energizing, for starters. You should also put out your entire gym ensemble the night before. The average woman now owns 30 outfits, and while your workout gear might not be the most exciting to look at, the act of readying your clothing can actually put you in the right mindset to jump out of bed. Establishing a pre-workout routine you actually enjoy — like whipping up a protein shake or doing some stretches or meditation — can give you something to look forward to that’ll make waking up early worthwhile.
PROBLEM: You have trouble staying motivated to make exercise part of your regular routine.
Our lives are more stressful than ever, which makes it tough to have a consistent exercise schedule. You might be able to motivate yourself to work out today, but what about for the rest of the month? Or the year? To stay invested, you need to figure out what motivates you. If you like the social aspect of going to classes or the gym, you might want to get yourself a workout buddy so you can offer support to each other. You could also join an online fitness group that can provide encouragement from afar. You might want to partake in a workout contest or start a challenge amongst your social circle to keep each other accountable. Even rewarding yourself after achieving a workout goal or investing in some quality gear can allow you to stay motivated. Don’t be afraid to get creative and to reach out for assistance.
PROBLEM: You’ve never enjoyed working out at all.
A recent study found that the way we feel about gym class when we’re younger often translates to how we feel about exercising as an adult. So if you really hated PE, you might have a harder time maintaining a workout routine now. But that doesn’t mean it always has to be that way. If you’re able to zero in on an activity you really like — maybe it’s swimming or kickboxing or salsa dance — it might not feel like the torture you associate with exercise. If the gym atmosphere isn’t enjoyable to you, try a dance studio, karate studio, or tennis court. You might have to devote a little time to figuring out what you like, but once you find it, you may be able to transform the way you feel about working out.
Creating and maintaining an exercise routine isn’t easy. It takes a lot of dedication and energy — neither of which you may feel like you have after a long day. But if you’re proactive about finding solutions for your problems now, you can overcome these obstacles and enjoy the benefits of physical fitness.
