We understand that sometimes completing your workout or making it to the gym can be a bit of a struggle. Fitness barriers are issues that everyone faces at some point or another.
One of the questions we ask during our orientation meeting with members is, “What do you see as a barrier to your fitness?” From the feedback we get, we’ve come up with the top 5 fitness barriers, and offer some tips on how to break through them.
Time
One of the most common fitness barriers is fitting your workout into your busy schedule. We get it, you’re a busy person and you have a lot on the go! Having priorities like work, family, school and everything in between can make it hard to fit in your exercise. However, even with a busy schedule, it’s important that you schedule time for daily physical activity. Whether that means taking a walk on your lunch break, climbing the escarpment stairs in the evening, or waking up an hour early to go to the gym in the morning, carve that time out in your schedule to get active during the day. Consider your workout as an important meeting that you schedule with yourself – bosses don’t cancel.
Knowledge
The fear of looking clueless and not knowing what to do at the gym can be a huge barrier for some people. This is particularly common among those who are new to working out, but it can happen to the old pros too. They say that knowledge is power, and we want to empower our members with the knowledge they need to reach their fitness goals. This is why we take the time to educate all of our members on each piece of equipment and instruct them on how to properly complete each exercise. The tailored workouts that we provide to every member helps to set them on the right path to success.
Motivation
It’s important to stay motivated and keep your head in the game with your workout routine. However, staying motivated can sometimes be easier said than done. The weather, personal life, lack of energy or even a Netflix binge can all affect our motivation to get out the door and exercise. We suggest making a few simple commitments so that you follow through on your workout. By registering for a weekly fitness class, making an appointment with a trainer or bringing a workout buddy with you to the gym, you’ll be more likely to honor your commitment to your workout. And if none of that works, buying new workout shoes to get you motivated always seems to do the trick!
Resources
Not having access to the proper equipment can also create a barrier to your fitness. When it comes down to it though, all you need is a little bit of space, an established workout routine and some proper gear. In the warmer weather, take advantage of the outdoors by going for a jog around the Bayfront or taking a hike in the Dundas Conservation Area. The important thing to remember is to take advantage of all the amazing fitness assets that Hamilton has to offer.
Sleep
Sometimes by the end of the workday, people are simply too tired to make it to the gym, and in the mornings, the snooze button is way too tempting to ignore. Fighting the temptation to rest rather than exercise is a battle we all struggle with. Sometimes it’s easier to say, “I’m too tired” and skip the workout. However, it’s been found that falling asleep and waking up at regular times can improve your overall energy. It’s also true that waking up early in the morning to get your workout in has many benefits compared to working out in the evening or the afternoon. These advantages include boosting your metabolism, improving your physical and mental energy, and helping improve your quality of sleep.
We challenge you to think about your fitness barriers and use some of the tips we provided to overcome them. Every step you take towards achieving your goal is worth celebrating!
