Barriers to fitness

[chloeedmonds]

Hello, I am doing an investigation for my dissertation and wondering if you can help me at all. I was wondering what were peoples main barriers to why they could not meet their weekly exercise goal or step goal? Also do people feel guilty if they do not reach their goals?

[Heybales]

For me - higher priority surprise events can interrupt a planned workout.

No I don't feel guilty about - working on car, using dry day to finish off leaves, helping a friend in need - all higher priority surprise event.

Barrier for planning a workout during a normal available time - other projects. Organize the shed, finish the sheetrock, work on the car, meeting.

Or cold rain - no biking or running then, and may not be recovered from lifting prior day to make it smart to attempt another one.

I know if I did morning workouts this would be less of an issue - but I'm not a morning person.

[cathm]

Hi @chloeedmonds 

My biggest barrier is time.  It seems there are often things that pop up and require prompt attention.  I do feel guilty because exercise is an important factor to my overall health.

[chloeedmonds]

Hello, do you think time is a barrier for you because of work or just everyday life getting in the way? 

[SamToSam]

Hello!

Sometimes circumstances, sometimes laziness interferes with practicing and doing exercises goal. Because of this, you remember and start thinking about it and always want to do it. it motivates!

Yes, I feel upset and guilty because I didn't have enough to do it.

[Gershon]

Anyone can be fit if they want it enough. Many people want other things. That's how life works.

[chloeedmonds]

Why do you think your biggest barrier is time because of work or just everyday life getting in the way?

[cindynelson]

I agree. You have to want it. I workout everyday for at least 1.5 hours. In spite of a busy schedule, I make fitness a priority.

[JuanJoFitbit]

Hi everyone! Personally, one of my main barriers is time. After work, I play guitar and need to practice my instrument and with the band I'm in. Also, I was diagnosed with a lumbar hernia which prevented me from exercising for a few months.

So, I try to workout on my days off and take 30-minutes-walks everyday.

[Ceredwyn]

My main barrier is time.  I work from home - which is good - but it's also bad in that it means I can be contacted easily anywhere and my work is reasonably high priority right now - people will suffer if I don't get it done.  I have a kid who needs attention, and a garden/house which is the same.  I cook all the meals from scratch and grow the veggies, and well, there's housework and repairs and so on.  Sometimes it feels super hard to get any time in the day to relax - I don't watch television, for example.  I'm currently trying to force workouts higher up the priority list.  I do have the problem that I've started falling asleep in the middle of the day which shrinks down my available hours even more.  I think that's related to being strung out.

I'm also trying to get over some pretty challenging injuries and recent family losses and traumas.  I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that I'm old enough now that things don't heal - ever, sometimes.  So that makes it nervous making.  What if my knee starts hurting worse?  What if the pinched nerves in my spine get worse, and it's even harder to sleep at night?

I do feel guilty, but I feel guilty about all the stuff I don't achieve, heh.  Exercise isn't special in that respect.