What are the Barriers for Beginning an Exercise Program?
Exercise has many healthy and transformative elements. The benefits of exercise are consistently fed to us by the mainstream media. Newsweek recently had an article asking the question, "Does Exercise Make You Smarter?" There have been articles touting how physical exercise can improve emotional health. Why then does the obesity level in America seem to rise every year? Why don't more of us exercise for improving mental health? Why do many turn to anti-depressants when studies indicate that exercise is as effective for depression as medication? What are the barriers to beginning an exercise program? Are we simply too lazy to move our bodies? Are we too overwhelmed by our demanding work schedules? Is exercising regularly not really valued or rewarded in our society? What will it take to alter this course? What would our world be like if everyone exercised daily?
4/15/2007 7:00:00 AM
Comments
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20028/what-are-the-barriers-for-beginning-an-exercise-program/bob-livingstone
Funny, just a few months ago I wrote: "I have a very difficult time exercising for exercising sake." I can honestly say that it has changed for me. Luna, like you said Since I have been exercising regularly all this time, now I really look forward to it every day when before I really couldn't stand it. So, for all of you who are fighting it, just do it more, and it will get easier and can even become fun!
Posted by John Valenty
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20028/what-are-the-barriers-for-beginning-an-exercise-program/bob-livingstone
Luna, being sore is normal and it is a good thing. I know you were kidding around, but trust me, it gets much easier and even enjoyable if you keep it up. You'll look forward to your workouts, but you'll need to get through this start-up phase.
Posted by Roxanne
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20028/what-are-the-barriers-for-beginning-an-exercise-program/bob-livingstone
I did check, yes, the gym is still in business. My membership card even worked. But, there is a problem, I woke up the next morning very sore. I'm going to need to remember that for next year so I know to work out for the first time in months on a Friday so I have the weekend to recover! :-)
Posted by Luna
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20028/what-are-the-barriers-for-beginning-an-exercise-program/bob-livingstone
John, I agree with you. I don't like being in the gym, but I do love hiking, surfing, running, biking, walking, yoga, and sports. I think you make a great point. People should try to find something they enjoy that is also exercise.
Posted by Aaron M
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20028/what-are-the-barriers-for-beginning-an-exercise-program/bob-livingstone
I think a lack of exercise and depression are connected. I get depressed when I don't exercise too. Does anyone know if my gym is still in business? I keep paying for it, but I haven't been in for a while! Depressing!
Posted by Ben
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20028/what-are-the-barriers-for-beginning-an-exercise-program/bob-livingstone
I have a very difficult time exercising for exercising sake. If it were not for physical activities I enjoy, I don't think I would get much exercise at all. So, the question I ask others who are not exercising; what activities are you doing for fun? Maybe you're not having enough fun or perhaps choosing non-physical activities over physical ones. I do know from personal experience that the less active we are, the harder it is to get motivated to do anything physical and the tedency is to spiral downward in physical depression. I think the tendency or LACK of positive physical activity is very similar to the LACK of positive thinking or negativity. In other words; depression. I haven't met many depressed people who exercise and I haven't met many people who exercise who are also depressed. Any connection there?
Posted by John Valenty
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20028/what-are-the-barriers-for-beginning-an-exercise-program/bob-livingstone
Bob, are you going to tell us the answers to your questions or do we have to read your book?
Posted by Aaron M
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20028/what-are-the-barriers-for-beginning-an-exercise-program/bob-livingstone
I think the answer to your questions is that people avoid pain and seek physical pleasure. They also have an "instant results mentality." Exercise for most people is physically painful or at least difficult and takes up a lot of time that could be spent relaxing with a beer, some potato chips, and watching TV. Personally I don't watch much TV (although I like documentaries) and I exercise every day. But that's because I have a rare ability to see the future benefits of working hard today.\n
\nI think the bottom line is that exercise feels like work for people. Animals only exercise in nature when they need to in order to survive. The effects of lack of exercise take so long to show themselves -- then usually being too late and habits are formed -- that most people aren't able to see the immediate benefits. Just some thoughts.\n\nEric
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