Various graphics of people performing exercises: football, jumping, running and someone laying on a sofa.

What stops you moving more? 

 Sometimes it’s just hard to find the energy, motivation, or confidence to get active. Whether you fear getting injured or are just feel embarrassed, it’s important to remember that a little anxiety about committing to exercise is perfectly normal. Think about the things that might be holding you back. Here are some of the most common fitness fears:

 

No time 

Life is hectic, but even when your time is really tight, you can always carve out a few moments to move more. Try habit stacking – bolting a new healthy fitness habit onto a routine task like boiling the kettle or brushing your teeth. Perform some quick-and-easy moves like push ups or squats. You can also find more creative ways, like parking farther away and walking the last bit of your journey or using stair more. Read our blog for more habit stacking ideas!

 

Feeling intimidated 

Getting into good exercise habits can be a lot to handle mentally. Build up your confidence and squash feelings of self-doubt by repeating some positive words: ‘I can do this,’ ‘I am looking after me’ to give you the extra courage and the focus you need to take your first (and second) step towards moving more.

 

Lack of Support 

You don’t need to be working out next to someone to be part of a fitness community. Try connecting online with friends, colleagues, family. Why not join a local running club or hiking group. Many clubs have programmes for complete beginners, and you’ll find a warm and supportive welcome. Don’t forget that LiveWell has its own online community too: Our LiveWell. 

 

Low Energy 

Lots of things can affect your energy levels but eating well and getting plenty of sleep make the biggest difference. Try to plan your physical activity for times you feel the most awake and energetic and remember that exercise itself can help boost energy. Just take it steady, increasing little by little so that you don’t burnout.  

 

No Motivation 

Sometimes, even knowing that moving more is going to improve your health and make you feel better is not enough to motivate you. To push through the motivation barrier, try to make working out a habit. Choose a specific time to exercise and write it down on somewhere you will see it. If your workouts are getting boring, mix up your routine and try some new activities to keep things fun. Our advisors can help you find new alternatives to try.

 

Fear of Injury 

An important way to avoid injury is to understand your fitness level and not push yourself too hard. Some part of your body may be stronger than others so before doing anything, make sure you warm up - doing some simple stretching at the beginning of a workout can also reduce the risk of a strained muscle and also improve your flexibility, coordination, and balance.

 

Lack of Skill 

You don’t need to be a fitness expert to make a difference to your health through exercise. Any regular physical activity—walking upstairs, jogging around the block, carrying groceries—can be converted into a form of exercise. Try finding ways to fit in fitness; you’ll be surprised at how quickly those steps add up. Even an activity as innocuous as gardening can be a useful form of physical activity.

 

Cost 

Want to work out for free? You don’t need an expensive gym membership or equipment to exercise. Walking, dancing, home workouts, and free online fitness classes are all great options. Our Advisor Team can help you build an activity plan that won’t cost you a penny.

 

Bad weather 

It’s too wet; it’s too cold; it’s too hot—these thoughts always cross our minds when the weather isn’t ideal. But on these less than perfect days, consider taking your workout indoors – online exercise, walking laps of the house, jogging up and down stairs... Getting even a small work out in on the days when you don’t feel like it will help you stay on track. 

We can help you move more

We're here for your health and wellbeing. Want to make a change? But don't want to do it alone? Register or contact us today to take your next step to LiveWell.

 

 

How does this work?

The tailored approach LiveWell Dorset uses to come up with solutions to the things that are stopping us achieving our goals, is based upon work done by University College London developing the COM-B model of behaviour change. In this model, all behaviour is influenced by understanding a person’s capability to change, their opportunity to change and their motivation to change. By understanding which of these is the biggest barrier to change, we can tailor support accordingly. This model of behaviour change is at the centre of the support we offer, online and in person.

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