Top 3 Lists

Solutions to Why You Don’t Exercise

By February 17, 2018 No Comments

Why do so many of us find it difficult to exercise?  Here we break down the top three reasons people use and provide some simple solutions.  Stepping out of classic definitions and personalizing your approach can go a long way…

“I Don’t Have Time”:  Yes, everyone is busy.  We are all so busy that taking care of ourselves often takes a backseat to every other responsibility we have.  The truth is though, that by putting a little bit of time into self care we do EVERYTHING else better.  Exercise helps lower cortisol (stress) levels, boosts endorphins, fires up nerves, heart, and muscles, and allows our brains to operate at their maximum capacity.  Executive functioning, our ability to plan and handle multiple tasks, shows a marked increase after exercise.  Reconsider your traditional definitions and trust that a couple of minutes each day can have a serious impact.  You don’t have to go to the gym for two hours for it to count.  Stretch in the morning, get out and walk, and get your heart rate up when you can.

“I Don’t Like To”: Some of us get a natural “high” from working out, but not everyone feels that way.  Nevertheless, a baseline level of movement is a fundamental need for all of us to be healthy.  Find motivation in your personal needs and desires.  Think of career, family, and happiness.  Unnecessary weight gain, muscle and joint dysfunction, and chronic disease can all affect our quality of life.  Go for walks with friends, hike, pick up a new sport or activity.  Find a way to take of yourself, you deserve it!

“It Hurts”: Dealing with injury our discomfort can be frustrating and often debilitating.  Nothing zaps motivation like being in pain.  Yet the body is hardwired to keep moving, it finds a way.  It is how we survive.  We are often very hard on ourselves, comparing and judging the present with what we used to be able to do in the past.  The best approach is taking what your body gives you.  If your foot or ankle hurts when you walk, try a stationary bike and some arm exercises.  Is running bothering your knees?  Try swimming or a yoga class.  There is an adjustment and option for everyone, you have to want to find it.  Be versatile in your approach and you will find success.