Top Five Barriers to Physical Activity
Healthful Vitality | 12/08/2022 | Top Five Barriers to Physical Activity
So, you have decided to increase your physical activity level, like walking to work, starting yoga classes, or going to the gym. However, quite often, people fail to realize their wishes. In most cases, they are unable to overcome mental barriers more than physical ones.
Of course, physical barriers also exist, like poor living environments, lack of running spaces, high gym fees, and so on. However, in most cases, mental barriers are more significant. After all, if a person lives in an ideal place and has time, resources, and so on, it does not mean they are physically more active.
Top Five Barriers to Physical Activity
Below are the top five barriers people often fail to overcome to increase their physical activity level.
1. Lack of time
It is perhaps the number one reason why most people do not engage in physical activity. However, it is also proven beyond doubt that it is just an excuse rather than reality. The truth is that most people have sufficient time to work out. Finding 30 minutes a day for a workout is not as challenging. One can instead spend less time using gadgets or browsing the net. There are other time-efficient ways of increasing physical activity, like walking to work, climbing stairs, and exercising while watching television.
2. No one shares your interest
It could be a good idea to share your ideas with family and friends and motivate them to start working out without you. However, if it does not work out, then remember that your health is your sole responsibility. After all, if you fall ill, others can barely share your pain. Furthermore, if you find training alone boring, there are many online sources to find friends with similar interests.
3. Lack of motivation and energy
It is another significant barrier that is quite challenging to overcome. One of the reasons why people lack energy and motivation is due to a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, many are stuck in a chicken or egg type of situation. However, once you start exercising, you will notice an increase in energy levels. In addition, improved shape over time will become one of the most significant motivators. Therefore, focus on becoming someone you would like to see in a mirror.
4. Lack of resources and equipment
That is a common and quite a lousy excuse. You do not need to join an expensive health club to stay physically active. There is no evidence that joining a costly club or investing in equipment produces better results. There are many inexpensive ways of improving physical activity, and these methods require almost no equipment and are more enjoyable. Thus, one can start walking, jogging, yoga, calisthenics, rope jumping, and more.
5. Frequent traveling or working in shifts – Barriers to physical activity
These might be barriers, but they are minor barriers. For example, there are many national gyms with reciprocal membership. Or one can just buy resistance bands, learn how to use body weight for building muscles, and more. All it requires is some dedication.
To sum up, some well-known mental barriers exist to increasing physical activity. However, most of these barriers can be readily overcome with some effort.
Related Article: Top 10 Most Shocking Risks of Physical Inactivity