Are you having trouble staying motivated when it comes to exercise? Many find that their enthusiasm for fitness quickly dissipates after taking up a new routine.
Those who stick with exercising can reap many rewards, including improved health and weight loss. But getting those results requires dedication and consistency. Unfortunately, a lot of people tend to give up on their workouts before they ever experience the gains of their efforts.
It’s important to understand why people stop exercising so that we can all find ways to stay on track and reach our goals. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why people quit working out and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Top Understandings To Know:
- 21.4% of adults 19+ are not physically active enough, and the lockdown has made this worse by reducing motivation.
- It is important to find activities you enjoy to help keep yourself motivated and stick with exercising.
- Setting goals, finding a workout buddy, and rewarding yourself after achieving milestones can help make exercise more fun and manageable for busy individuals.
Top 10 Reasons People Stop Exercising and How To Overcome Them
Regular exercise has many physical and mental health benefits, yet 21.4% of adults aged 19+ are physically inactive, meaning they engage in less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week.
During the lockdown, it can be difficult to stay motivated to exercise due to common excuses such as lack of motivation, energy levels, and nice weather. To overcome these excuses, setting achievable goals is key – even 10 minutes a day can make a difference. Finding a workout buddy or rewarding yourself for reaching milestones can also help motivate you to keep your commitment to exercise.
Exercise can make you feel more energized and improve your energy levels so try exercising during your most energetic time of the day such as first thing in the morning or during lunch break. Gym memberships can be expensive but there are more affordable solutions like creating a home gym or taking a walk. Replace TV watching with exercise – use resistance bands, walk in place, or pedal on an exercise bike while watching. Making time for exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
“I hate exercising”
Exercising can be a difficult task for many people, especially if it is something they don’t enjoy doing. It is important to find activities that you actually enjoy and look forward to doing. There are so many different types of exercise out there, from tennis and golf to walking and biking. Even if the activity feels hard at first, with consistency it can become enjoyable. You may even find yourself looking forward to your next workout session!
It is also possible to get in a good workout without leaving the house. Fitness-based video games, fitness apps, and home equipment are all great options for getting in a good workout while staying safe at home. Additionally, regular chores like gardening, raking leaves, shoveling snow, and sweeping can burn calories too. To increase the benefit of these activities, make them more challenging by raking small piles of leaves instead of large ones or squatting down to gather them more often. With some creativity and effort, exercising does’ t have to be a chore.
“I am too busy studying/working / full-time parent”
Exercising is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, even if you are busy studying, working, or being a full-time parent. It can be difficult to make time for exercise when you have so many other commitments, but it is essential for your physical and mental well-being. To make exercise a priority, set yourself goals such as not watching tv or going on social media until you have done your workout. This will help motivate you to get up and move.
For parents, there are ways to include exercise in family activities. Put young children in a pushchair and go for a walk or encourage older children to work out with you. Exercise is also great for reducing stress levels; it releases endorphins which make you feel better and taking a walk can help clear the mind. Even if it’s just 20-30 minutes each day, making time for exercise will benefit your health in the long run.
“I am too tired”
Exercise is a great way to reduce fatigue and boost energy levels. It can be done at any age, depending on mobility and health. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga can all be done to stay active. Exercise can also help with muscle loss, decrease the risk of falls and improve mental health. When feeling tired it is important to try and exercise when feeling most energized during the day. This will help to give you an energy boost and make you feel better overall. Exercise can also be a great distraction from everyday stresses and make you feel good about yourself.
It is important to remember that everyone’s body is different so it is best to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as your body gets used to them. Make sure to take breaks in between sets if needed and listen to your body when it needs rest. With regular exercise, you will soon start feeling more energized and motivated.
“it’s too difficult or painful”
Exercise can be difficult and sometimes even painful, but it doesn’t have to be. It is important to remember that everyone has different levels of fitness and what may be hard for one person may not be for another. The key is to work as hard as you can and don’t compare yourself to others. Taking breaks when needed is also important, as pushing through the mental barrier that exercise is too hard can be a challenge in itself.
During the lockdown, there are plenty of free options available for those who want to exercise without breaking the bank. There are live classes on Facebook that are free of charge, as well as suggestions from previous classes taught by professionals. Household items such as water bottles or cans of food can also be used in place of weights if necessary, while bodyweight exercises can still provide an effective and challenging workout. Exercise doesn’t have to be expensive or painful; with some dedication and determination, anyone can find a way to stay fit without breaking the bank.
“I have an injury”
Injuries can be a difficult and frustrating experience, but with the right approach, they can be managed. Exercise is an important part of recovery, however, it is important to choose exercises that avoid further injury and help support mobility. It is best to speak to a medical professional before beginning any exercise program as they will be able to advise on the best course of action for your specific injury.
When dealing with an injury, it is important to take caution and listen to your body. If you are feeling pain or discomfort during exercise, stop immediately and consult a medical professional if necessary. Adapted exercises may be recommended in order to help support mobility while avoiding further injury. It is also important to ensure that you are getting enough rest in order for your body to heal properly. Taking these steps will help you manage your injury and get back on track as quickly as possible.
“I am too old”
Exercise is an important part of staying healthy, regardless of age. Many people feel that they are too old to exercise, but this simply isn’t true. Low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, and strength training can all be beneficial for older adults. Exercise can help with muscle loss, reduce the risk of falls, and improve mental health. It can also reduce fatigue and boost energy levels.
For those who feel that they are too old to exercise, it is important to start slowly and find activities that work for them. Going for a walk or doing some gentle yoga in the morning or after work can be a great way to stay active without feeling overwhelmed. Even if you only have a few minutes each day, it can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. Exercise doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming; just find something that works for you and stick with it.
“It’s too expensive”
Exercise doesn’t have to be expensive. With the current lockdown, people have been able to find free live classes on Facebook and other platforms, as well as free workout suggestions. Household items can also be used in place of weights or bodyweight exercises can be used for an effective and challenging workout. Exercise should not be painful, but it can be difficult to start off with. It is important to work as hard as you personally can and take breaks when needed. Pushing through the mental barrier that exercise is too hard will help you achieve your goal.
It is possible to get a good workout without spending a lot of money. There are plenty of online resources available that provide free workouts and tips on how to stay active during this time. Additionally, there are many household items that can be used in place of weights or bodyweight exercises that can provide an effective and challenging workout. It is important to remember that exercise should not be painful, but it may take some time before you feel comfortable with the movements. Taking breaks when needed and pushing through the mental barrier that exercise is too hard will help you reach your goals.
“I am too inactive/embarrassed to exercise”
It is understandable to feel embarrassed and self-conscious when starting an exercise routine. Many people feel like they are too inactive or out of shape to begin exercising, but this doesn’t have to be the case. There are many ways to stay active without going to the gym, such as taking a walk or doing a home workout. Wearing comfortable clothes and going at your own pace can help build confidence while exercising.
For those who are obese or overweight, it may seem too difficult or unhealthy to start exercising. However, low-impact exercises can help get them on the path to fitness. Start slow and gradually add more exercises as you become stronger and healthier. It is important to remember that everyone has different fitness levels and it is okay if you don’t reach your goals right away. With patience and dedication, anyone can become more active and healthy over time!
“I am too stressed”
Exercise is a great way to take your mind off of stress. It releases endorphins which make you feel better and can help clear the mind and reduce stress. Taking a walk, going for a run, or doing yoga are all great ways to get your body moving and help relieve stress. Setting reasonable goals and rewarding yourself when you reach them can also be beneficial in managing stress levels. Joining a gym, message boards, or social media groups can help keep you motivated and provide support from others who may be dealing with similar issues.
It’s important to focus on how you feel rather than the numbers on the scale or what you see in the mirror. Exercise should be enjoyable and not something that adds more stress to your life. Take time for yourself each day to do something that makes you happy such as reading a book, listening to music, or taking a hot bath. These activities will help relax your mind and body while reducing stress levels. Remember that it is okay to take a break if you need it and that taking care of yourself is the most important thing.
“I’m already thin”
It is important to think about health even if you are already thin. Exercise has many benefits beyond weight loss, such as improved cardiovascular health and energy levels. Setting realistic goals can help motivate you to achieve them during the lockdown. Exercise is beneficial for people of all ages, regardless of mobility and health. Low-impact exercises, mobility training, and strength training can be done to stay active. Exercise can help with muscle loss, decrease the risk of falls and improve mental health.
Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, even if you are already thin. It helps to maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. During the lockdown, it is important to set realistic goals that are achievable in order to stay motivated and active. There are many different types of exercises that can be done from home such as yoga, pilates, or HIIT workouts which will help keep your body strong and fit. Additionally, low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming can also be beneficial for those who have limited mobility.
Why is motivation important when it comes to exercise?
Motivation is an important factor when it comes to exercise. It helps to keep you focused on your goals and encourages you to stay consistent with your workouts. Motivation can come from within or from external sources such as friends, family, or a personal trainer. Setting realistic goals and rewarding yourself when you reach them can help keep you motivated and on track.
Additionally, joining a gym, message boards, or social media groups can help keep you motivated and provide support from others who may be dealing with similar issues. Exercise should be enjoyable and not something that adds more stress to your life. Taking time for yourself each day to do something that makes you happy such as reading a book, listening to music, or taking a hot bath can also help motivate you to stay active.
How can a person stay motivated to exercise regularly?
Staying motivated to exercise regularly can be a challenge, but it is possible. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated and keep up with your exercise routine:
1. Set realistic goals.
Setting realistic goals that are achievable will help you stay motivated and focused on your progress. Make sure the goals you set are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely (SMART ).
2. Track your progress.
Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and see the results of your hard work. Whether it’s tracking your weight, distance, or time spent exercising, keeping track of your progress will help keep you motivated to reach your goals.
3. Find an accountability partner.
Having someone to hold you accountable for reaching your goals can be a great motivator. Find a friend or family member who can help keep you on track and motivate you to stay active.
4. Reward yourself.
Rewarding yourself for reaching your goals is a great way to stay motivated. Whether it’s a new pair of shoes, a massage, or a night out with friends, rewarding yourself for achieving your goals will help keep you motivated and excited about exercising.
5. Change up your routine.
Doing the same exercise routine every day can become boring and make it harder to stay motivated. Mixing up your routine by trying new exercises or activities can help keep you motivated and prevent boredom.
6. Make it fun.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore, find ways to make it enjoyable such as listening to music or playing a game while you exercise.
What should people do if they feel like they are losing motivation to exercise?
Finding the motivation to exercise can be a challenge for many people. One way to get motivated is to find a program that meets your goals and helps you get past excuses for not exercising. Consider signing up for a PRO membership, which gives you access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and goal trackers. This will help keep you accountable and provide structure so that you can stay on track with your fitness goals.
In addition to finding the right program, it’s important to understand what health-enhancing physical activities are. These are any activities that can produce health benefits when added to baseline activity. Examples of these activities include brisk walking, jumping rope, dancing, playing tennis or soccer, lifting weights, climbing on playground equipment at recess, and doing yoga. Regular physical activity can help prevent physical inactivity and the chronic diseases associated with it. To learn more about how to find the motivation to exercise, check out the linked article.
Another common reason people stop exercising is lack of time. With busy schedules, it can be difficult to find the time to exercise. To make sure you are able to fit in regular physical activity, try breaking up your workouts into smaller chunks throughout the day. This will help you fit in exercise without having to dedicate large blocks of time. You can also look for ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking to work. Finally, try to make exercise a priority by scheduling it into your day and setting reminders so that you don’t forget.
Summary
Exercising regularly is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, it can be difficult to stay motivated and keep up with your routine. To help you stay on track, it is important to identify the reasons why you may be feeling unmotivated and then take steps to address them. This could include setting realistic goals, tracking your progress, finding an accountability partner, rewarding yourself for reaching your goals, changing up your routine, making it fun, and setting a schedule. Taking breaks from your routine can also help prevent burnout and keep you motivated.
