As trainers, we hear a lot of reasons and excuses as to why people do not participate in physical activity. There have been a number of studies done around the world that have shed some light on the most common reasons why adults don’t adopt more physically active lifestyles. Here are some of their results:
Top 3:
- Time;/li>
- Energy; and
- Motivation.
Other barriers include:
- Cost
- Facilities;/li>
- Illness or injury;/li>
- Transportation;/li>
- Partner issues;/li>
- Skill;/li>
- Safety considerations;/li>
- Child care;/li>
- Uneasiness with change; and/li>
- Unsuitable programs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes the following suggestions for overcoming physical activity barriers:
Lack of Time:
- Monitor your daily activities for one week. Identify at least three 30-minute time slots you could use for physical activity;
- Add physical activity to your daily routine; and
- Select activities requiring minimal time.
Lack of energy:
- Schedule physical activity for times in the day or week when you feel energetic; and
- Convince yourself that if you give it a chance, physical activity will increase your energy level; then try it.
Lack of motivation:
- Plan ahead. Make physical activity a regular part of your daily or weekly schedule and write it on your calendar;
- Invite a friend to exercise with you on a regular basis and write it on both your calendars; and
- Join an exercise group or class.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put together a quiz on determining your top Physical Activity Barriers. It consists of a short 21 question quiz. If you are interested in taking the quiz please see one of our BAC Personal Training Staff. They would be happy to get you a copy and help you interpret the results!
