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Barriers to activity |
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Getting Started
First of all, ask yourself what you mean by exercise. It certainly doesn't mean that it has to be physical marathons or excessively strenuous (unless you enjoy that, of course!).
You could walk, do vigorous housework, go to a class, swim, cycle, or learn to dance, to name but a few.
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Then ask yourself what stops you exercising. Is it:
Lack of time
Start by making small changes to your normal day. You could try: walking to work; build your speed up when walking the dog so you go further in the same amount of time; use exercise equipment (e.g. an exercise bike) while you watch your favourite TV programme. Other ideas could include: Parking your car further from home or the office or get off the bus a stop early. With a bit of imagination, even the busiest person can make room for physical activity.
Lack of motivation
Find someone to exercise with - then you won't want to let each other down. Why not ask at work, the school gates, or on the Message Boards to see if anyone's interested? Try out lots of activities – the right one will help to motivate you and variety will stop you getting bored. Remind yourself of the benefits you'll get – more energy, better muscle tone, a faster weight loss, and time for yourself. |
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Not the sporty type
You don’t need to be ‘sporty’ to lead an active life. There are many activities like gardening, walking, playing in the park
that are not considered as sport, but still contribute towards an active lifestyle.
Expense
Physical activity doesn't have to cost a penny if you don‘t want it to. If you have ready access to a flight of steps, walking or running up those stairs several times a day - whichever you can manage comfortably - this all adds up and can contribute to the 30 minutes of physical activity recommended on most days.
For short errands, why not walk instead of taking the car or bus? If you have a small amount of shopping to carry, this will increase the level of activity further. Make the most of the great outdoors. In Devon there are miles of walkways, parkland, rivers, coastline and open hills that are available free of charge.
If you are on a lower income it may also be worth contacting your leisure centre to see if any special offers are available.
Embarrassed
Use exercise equipment or videos in the privacy of your own home or encourage a friend to join you. There might be a friend, family, work colleague or neighbour who would like to do some physical activity once in a while?
No willpower
Active living is more a matter of planning than will power and anyone can do it, alone or in company!
If you build up slowly and gradually by doing a little bit more each week, you’ll find that active living will not be an effort. You’ll gain a lot and feel the difference quite quickly and once you get into an active routine, it won’t seem so hard.
Finding support is a key to making more active choices, and having company can often make activity more fun, but you can do it by yourself too if needed, just find that will power!
Worried about injury
Physical activity should feel comfortable; if it is painful then you are pushing
yourself too hard and are more susceptible to injury. If it has been a while since you have completed exercise then start with something that does not put too much stress on your body so much. Swimming can be a good activity to choose as the water supports your whole body. Building up your activity levels gradually will reduce the risk of injury.
To old to be active
Research has shown that people who are less active have more trouble with daily tasks. Starting to be more active at any age will not only improve your health, it will help you cope better with the demands of everyday life. Why not take up a hobby with friends, such as walking, dancing, bowling or an exercise class?
I don’t know what physical activities are available in my area
There are many different activities that can help in becoming more active. Many rural parishes have an awareness of walking routes, events, gardening clubs and instructors in the area and some may publicise these through parish magazines. Your Parish/Town Council or Village Hall Committee may be able to provide details on what is going on or who else might know! You can also try checking out the 5X30. Where to Find Activities page to see if there are any activities you would like to be involved in.
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