No More Exercise Excuses!
Here’s What’s REALLY Preventing You from Exercising
by www.Sedona.com
It’s a new year, time to wipe the slate clean and finally start that new fitness routine you’ve been talking about for months. No more excuses, no more procrastination, just pure motivation to get in shape. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.
January represents the busiest time of year for fitness clubs across the country, as Americans belt out their New Year’s Resolutions to start exercising.
"There definitely is a New Year's inflow -- it increases dramatically the first two weeks of the year," said Esther Gonzales, wellness director at ClubSport in Fremont, California. "It slows down again in February. The momentum gets lost from people after a quick fix."
In fact, while lots of people get motivated to start exercising at the beginning of the year, a large number soon cop out.
"The vast majority that sign up usually last for maybe a good solid month. They hit it pretty hard and then drop off. They come in thinking they are going to get it done if they come in here five or six days a week and their goal of weight loss will be done in two weeks," says North Carolina based personal trainer Travis Fitzgerald.
Experts in the industry say that only an estimated 15 percent to 20 percent of people stick to their exercise program long enough to see the benefits -- which means 80 percent to 85 percent do not.
Why You Should Exercise
Everyone knows they should exercise, and everyone knows it’s good for them. But, it never hurts to hear it again. Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. It can help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. It can boost your mood and tone your body. It can even:
- Lower your blood pressure
- Promote healthy blood sugar levels
- Boost your immune system
- Lower your chances of depression
- Increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
- Promote healthy bone density
So with all of these benefits, why do so many Americans throw in the exercise towel so soon after starting?
Key Reasons Why People Don’t Keep Exercising
Going to the gym for the first two weeks of the New Year is one thing. Going regularly for the remainder of it is quite another, and it’s the latter scenario that most people find difficult.
Some of the more common reasons that keep people from sticking to their exercise program year-round include:
- Time constraints and not setting aside time to do so
- Starting out too fast, taking on too much and then burning out
- Getting bored with it
- Expecting to see major results immediately, then getting discouraged when they don’t
"People come after a couple days and think they should see a 20-pound loss," said Gonzalez. "When they don't lose even one or two pounds, they go back to unhealthy ways."
"It's hard work," she continues. "It's easier to just not do it. There are too many other temptations: food, TV, movies. People just prioritize other things."
How to Avoid Having Your Elliptical Machine Turn Into a Clothing Rack
Many of the reasons keeping people from the gym (or their own exercise equipment) are emotionally based. Perhaps you have trouble keeping your motivation to exercise. Maybe stress gets in the way and you end up sitting on the couch watching TV instead of going out for a walk. You may also feel overwhelmed at the prospect of a new routine, anxious about achieving your goal or doubtful that you can actually do it.
All of these feelings have the potential to hold you back from the fitness you deserve, but you can overcome the barrier by learning to release negative emotions with The Sedona Method. The Sedona Method is an easy-to-learn technique that teaches you how to let go of self-limiting beliefs, behaviors, and feelings so you can live the life you want to lead.
The Sedona Method can help you make great strides in increasing your level of energy and sticking to diet and exercise plans this year. You can also use the following tips to further support your fitness goals:
- Set realistic goals and start out slowly
- Be patient and don’t expect major results too quickly
- Choose an activity you enjoy (and grab a few friends to join you)
- Schedule a set time to exercise several days a week
- Reward yourself for keeping to your routine
Sources:
InsideBayArea.com
Winston-Salem Journal
Get Ready for a Breakthrough.
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