Running into a fitness roadblock is common. There are days when we all wake up and wonder if our fitness goals are worth it. A recent study reveals the top reasons why we struggle with our fitness programs.
The Harris Interactive study, on behalf of Bodybuilding.com shows us the reasons we sabotage ourselves, along with the huge benefits of sticking with and completing a fitness program.
Epic Fails: Falling off the fitness wagon
I can’t even count the number of times I completely bailed on my fitness program and fell victim to a fitness roadblock. Stress, distraction, and generally letting life get in the way are the biggest ways I have let myself off the hook with my fitness goals.
See if any of these top fitness roadblocks feel familiar.
23% Set goals too high
I was just talking about this a couple weeks ago with my post Making Fitness Goals That Become Reality. We want to dream big, plan big, achieve big. With our fitness, this can be a double edged sword. It took much longer to get to my fitness goals than I originally thought it would. Eventually I got over the fact that by a magic date my body would just comply to my dream physique.
53% Did not have the right motivation
Oh, this is a good one. When Catherine started 8 Women Dream our first meeting included a wonderful interactive process that helped us realize what our motivation was. I really thought that money was low on my list, but it turns out to be my top motivator. That doesn’t mean that it’s my only one, but if I’ve got a big goal in front of me, there is usually some literal payoff (or pay out) at the end of it.
I see this hold true with clients everyday during workouts. The conversations I have center around a weight goal, when the reality is they want to keep up with their children and have more fun playing without being out of breath. Staying motivated while visualizing an amazing day at the park is so much more enticing than picturing a certain number on the scale.
More tips to help you find your fitness motivation are here: 4 Tips for Fitness Motivation
15% Found fitness to be too expensive
There are as many paths to fitness and there are budgets. Gyms, group personal training sessions, and specialized equipment can really add up. I get it. I didn’t join a gym until AFTER I lost all the weight. Not because I didn’t want to work out in public, but I just didn’t have the money to spend.
Your fitness is a pair of sneakers away. Put them on and walk out your front door. It’s a start.
14% Said it was too difficult
Fitness is not easy. Sweat is a requirement and you will feel tired after working out, if you are doing it right.
Starting out by knowing and honoring your own current fitness level is one way to keep this roadblock from popping up. Let people lap you in the pool or on the track. They have their fitness program, and you have yours.
Epic Wins: Success brings some amazing rewards
Raise your hand high if you have improved your fitness even a little and see the benefits of sticking with a program. I was lucky enough that when I ran into my fitness roadblocks, I realized the rewards I was seeing in my daily life.
Thinking of your own fitness improvement, have you already seen these benefits?
54% Find more happiness in their life
Yes. Without a doubt. The chemicals that fitness kicks off in our bodies and brains impact our emotions and energy. Feeling happy is an emotion that is easier to obtain when we our on track with our fitness program.
19% Had better relationships with family and friends
When I was unfit, I was down. Having no energy, and a horrible body image, made it hard to accept love and friendship. I feel better about me when I am sticking to my fitness plan. That makes it easy to be open to the caring and friendship that is always around me.
16% Had better or new romantic relationships
Marriage, partnerships and any romantic relationship depends on your feeling your best. I was in no mood to be romantic when I was out of shape. I didn’t feel sexy, and made myself as unattractive as possible. Being comfortable and confident in my own skin felt great to me and as my husband can confirm, it is also very attractive.
21% Had more sex
This isn’t news to me. I have told my friends before that I found my sex drive again on the treadmill. It’s true. More energy, feeling healthy and gaining self confidence just kicks all sorts of hormones back into gear. Pretty great side effect of your fitness program!
15% Tried something they never thought they would do
I am the poster child for this statistic. Triathlon is not a word I could spell correctly, let alone a sport I planned on participating in until two years ago. The confidence in my own body, and what I can expect of it, has brought some amazing accomplishments. Your fitness program success can get you to do that one thing you’ve been wanting to try.
Smash through your epic fitness roadblocks
You know your fitness roadblock is common, but when you are up against it, it can feel pretty lonely. I know my fitness goals are worth it, and I know your fitness goals are too.
How do you plan on getting past your fitness roadblock today?
Go get your fit on – Heather
See more at: http://visual.ly/fitness-roadblocks-and-rewards#sthash.ZZK1dgSd.dpuf
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Heather Montgomery is a fitness writer, triathlete, and serial entrepreneur who is devoted to sharing what she has learned about becoming a triathlete after age 40. She uses her Metabolic Training Certification to help other women struggling to get fit in mid-life. She lives and trains in Santa Rosa, California, the new home of the Ironman triathlon. You can find her biking the Sonoma County wine trails.
Note: Articles by Heather may contain affiliate links and will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.
