Post: How To Overcome Barriers To Physical Activity

Staying physically active takes a conscious effort but can be challenging, especially when you have a busy schedule. However, it’s crucial to involve it in your daily routine, as being physically inactive can increase the likelihood of conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, one in four adults is not sufficiently physically active, and this number is constantly rising. Exercising improves physical health and has numerous benefits for your mental and overall well-being. Improving your physical lifestyle starts with identifying the barriers to being physically inactive. These include lack of time, no available fitness equipment, low energy, daily responsibilities, and so on. So, are you facing any physical activity barriers and wondering how to overcome them? Here are some tips to guide you. 

1. Set realistic goals

Setting achievable and realistic goals is the first step to overcoming physical activity barriers. Starting with small, attainable goals can help build confidence and motivate you to keep going. It all begins with starting small and staying focused on achieving your goals. Taking little, realistic steps will contribute significantly to helping you overcome your physical inactivity. Indeed, setting realistic goals can gradually increase your physical activity levels in a sustainable and manageable way. It can also make it easier to stick to a familiar routine in the long term. These goals help reduce frustration and discouragement, especially when you fail to maintain a daily activity routine. Remember to constantly review your fitness goals to determine whether you’re on track and identify ways by which you can improve.

2. Seek support 

Support from family, friends, or a fitness community often provides motivation, encouragement, and accountability. People who hold you accountable will help you stay disciplined and focused. Surrounding yourself with a positive support system will also help give you the push you need to overcome any barriers to physical activity, such as making excuses, doubting yourself, and so on. You can start by seeking support from loved ones who are also interested in fitness. This way, you build a community that keeps you going even when you don’t feel like it. This shared support is a source of immense motivation to complete set goals. Moreover, you will have reliable people who hold you accountable for your physical activity goals. 

3. Explore supplements

Some supplements can help give you the fuel you need to overcome certain physical activity barriers, such as excessive weight gain. Some of these supplements are purposely created to be combined with physical activity and work most effectively when you do so. For example, you can explore supplements that help with weight loss, like Slimmy weight loss for women. However, it would help to combine it with physical activity for tangible results, as exercise and supplements are not mutually exclusive. While taking supplements, remember to have a healthy diet to complement your efforts. It’s also advisable to consult your doctor to identify which supplements work best for you.

4. Find an activity you enjoy

Working out can feel like a chore, especially when you’ve not identified something you enjoy. Thankfully, you can be proactive in overcoming this common barrier. Find an activity you truly enjoy and stick to it, even if it’s gradual. By finding an activity you like, you are more likely to be motivated and engaged. This step can help overcome the barrier of a lack of motivation and make exercising a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. There are many activities to choose from, including sports, fitness classes, dance, yoga, and even simple activities like walking or cycling. The key is to find something that you look forward to participating in. Admittedly, finding one or two activities can be challenging, and there may be the temptation to follow a trendy activity, but that is not always helpful. Such trends are usually fads and don’t last long. That is why trying out different activities until you find one you enjoy will be worthwhile. In addition, you will have increased feelings of positivity, which can boost your mood and overall well-being.

5. Add physical activity to your daily routine

Making physical activity a habit creates an outlet that makes it easier to stick to the routine in the long term. The goal here is to overcome the lack of consistency. Did you know that anything you do continuously for twenty-one days becomes a habit? Although there are counter-arguments to this belief, there is an element of truth. Imagine a person who has a goal to exercise regularly but finds it difficult to motivate themselves to go to the gym after work. Making intense activity a daily routine for three consecutive weeks increases the chances of it becoming an intricate part of your habit. Indeed, it takes a lot of determination to form a deliberate habit. However, when you do, you will be happy that you stuck to your guns. According to fitness experts, habit is crucial when leading a healthier lifestyle. The point is to get to a level where participation in these activities becomes second nature and not a forced workout. You can start by incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. For instance, consider walking instead of driving to the grocery store, using the stairs instead of the elevator, and so on.

6. Rely on technology

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Thanks to technological advancements, many smartphone apps and wearable devices can track physical activity, provide feedback and encourage you to do more. These tools provide you with a clear picture of your progress. However, technology-aided tools are not restricted to wearable devices alone. You can also explore virtual fitness classes and online workouts. These can be a convenient option if you struggle to find the time to attend in-person classes. Suppose you live in an area with limited access to workout facilities. In that case, you can take advantage of technology for convenience and variety.

Staying physically active can work wonders for your health and well-being. However, engaging in physical activity can sometimes be challenging. With the above tips, you can overcome physical activity barriers and develop a healthy lifestyle.

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