Active people are healthier and happier than people who are not! This is true for all ages and conditions, and not moving enough can even cause or worsen physical and mental ill health.
Health and fitness makes sense. Yet when faced with being more physically active, people often come up with excuses, concerns, and worries. These barriers can often prevent you from taking the first step.
Here are some common barriers and possible solutions:
“I don’t have enough time!”
We all have the same amount of time, we just use it differently. It’s a matter of priorities. Some people find the time for television but not for exercise. Exercise does not take a lot of time. Just 15-30 minutes a day is a good start and it’s much better than nothing.
You may be able to work exercise into your day, watch television whilst peddling a stationary bike, or arrange a walking meeting to discuss business or family matters. If you add three 10-minute walks, you have 30 minutes of exercise a day.
“I’m too tired!”
When you’re out of shape physically and mentally you may feel tired. You simply have to break out of the ‘too tired’ cycle. Try and experiment: next time you are too tired, take a short walk (5 minutes or even 2). You may by surprised that this gives you energy rather than depletes it. As you get into shape you will begin to notice and really recognise the difference between feeling listless and feeling physically tired.
“I’m too old!”
You’re never too old for physical activity! No matter what your level of fitness or your age, you can always find ways to increase your activity, energy, and sense of wellbeing. Fitness and strength training also becomes more important as we age, as it support and helps maintain bone density and muscle mass.
“I get enough exercise!”
This may be true, but for most people, their jobs and daily activities, event professionals included, do not provide enough sustained exercise at a moderate level to keep them fit and energetic.
“Exercise is boring!”
You can make it more interesting and fun. Exercise with other people. Entertain yourself with a headset and musical tapes, or listen to the radio. Vary your activities and your walking routes. You might find exercise time good thinking time!
“Exercise is painful!”
The old saying “no pain, no gain” is simply wrong. Health benefits come from moderate-intensity physical activity. If you feel more pain when you finish than before you started, take a closer look at what you are doing. You may be exercising improperly or overdoing it. Talk with your instructor, or doctor. You may simply need to be less vigorous or change the type of exercise that you’re doing.
“I’m too embarrassed!”
For some people the thought of donning a skin tight designer exercise outfit and trotting around in public is delightful, but for others it is downright distressing. The options for physical activity range from exercise in the privacy of your own home to group social activities. With the help of Fit by EventWell you will be able to find something that suits you.
“It’s too cold, hot, dark etc!”
If you are flexible and vary your type of exercise, you can generally work around the changes in weather that make certain type of exercise more difficult. Consider indoor activities such as Fit by EventWell classes live streamed and on demand when weather is a barrier.
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to do it right, or won’t be successful!”
Many people don’t start a new project because they are afraid they will fail, and never more so than in the event industry. If you feel this way, remember two things. First; whatever activities you are able to do, no matter how short or easy, will be much better than doing nothing. Be proud of what you have done, not guilty about what you haven’t done. Second; new projects often seem overwhelming, until we get started and learn to enjoy each day’s adventure and successes.
Perhaps you have some other barriers. Be honest to yourself about your worries. Talk to yourself and others to develop positive thoughts about exercise. If you get stuck, ask others for suggestions and inspiration.
Fit by EventWell offers weekly physical and mental fitness classes for all abilities led by an amazing team of event professional instructors and trainers.
To find out more visit https://eventwell.org/eventwell-fit