6 Barriers to Working Out (and Solutions!)

For many, the New Year is the time to reassess your priorities and start anew. Health stores see an increase in sales each January, and gyms see an uptick in visits. While more than a third of New Year’s Resolutions are fitness related, 64% of people will abandon their resolution within a month. It’s easy for life to get in the way of establishing a new habit.

At Premier Health & Fitness Center, we recognize everyone’s fitness journey is different. We’re committed to helping our members meet their wellness goals and form healthy habits that stick.

To help you get started, we’re breaking down the top six barriers that may be keeping you from exercising and sharing solutions to help get you started.

Barrier: I don’t have enough time.

Solution: Time is one of the most common barriers to working out. When you have a busy schedule, exercising is often the first thing to fall off your to-do list, especially if it’s not already part of your routine. It can feel like just another chore.

But working out doesn’t have to be a huge time suck. Just 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity, five days a week can improve your heart health and overall wellbeing drastically. This could simply be walking, riding your bike with your kids or heading to the gym.

If time is a barrier, you can also look for a gym with hours that fit your needs. To accommodate a wide variety of schedules, Premier is open 5 am – 10 pm Monday – Friday, 7 am – 7 pm Saturday and 10 am – 6 pm Sunday.

Barrier: I don’t know where to begin.

Solution: The hardest part of starting a new habit is just that – starting. Not knowing where to begin may stop you from ever even trying. Let the experts help!

Consider finding yourself a trainer, even if it’s just for a little while as you get started on your fitness journey. At Premier, we offer every new member two free personal training sessions. Not only will your trainer teach you exercises to meet your personal fitness goals, but they’ll also teach you proper form, help you avoid injuries and cheer you on.

If a trainer doesn’t feel like the right fit, or it’s not in your budget long-term, browse fitness apps and downloadable exercise programs. Coming to the gym with a game plan takes the guessing work out of getting started.

Barrier: ‘I’ll never reach my goals.’

Solution: Approaching fitness with a go-big-or-go-home attitude may be holding you back. Rather than focusing on large goals, like running your first 5k or losing 30 pounds, focus on SMART Goals that build toward your larger goal.

SMART goals are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-specific

If your goal is to run a 5k, focus on the first mile. By placing focus on smaller outcomes, you’re more likely to set yourself up for success and stay motivated in reaching your larger goal.

Barrier: I have kids to look after.

Solution: When you’re caring for a family, sometimes the last person on your priority list is you. But to be a good caregiver, you must prioritize yourself too. Exercising is an act of self-care. It replenishes your energy, focus and positivity, all of which carry over into your interactions with your kids and others.

Consider finding a gym with childcare. This allows you peace of mind of knowing your kids are nearby and in good hands, while also giving you space to focus on yourself for a little while.

At Premier, we provide our members with a safe, clean and professional environment for children to play while their parents work out. Oftentimes, kids love their time at the gym even more than their parents do!

You might also consider incorporating your children into your fitness routine. Try reframing exercise as a way to spend quality time together. Go on a family hike, ride bikes around the neighborhood or make it a habit to walk your dog together each night.

Making fitness a priority will not only make you feel better, but it will also set a positive example for your children and inspire them to prioritize wellness too.

Barrier: Exercise is boring.

Solution: It doesn’t have to be! If you think getting fit means doing endless push-ups or running on the treadmill for 30 minutes every day, think again. Exercise is not one size fits all. One of the best ways to get in the habit of working out is to find the fitness program that works best for you.

Perhaps you love being outdoors. Try checking out different local walking trails. Maybe you thrive off other people’s energy. Try a group fitness class, like Zumba or barre. You may even enjoy mixing up your workout routine to feature a variety of exercise styles, depending on your mood.

Curating your workout soundtrack can keep you motivated and entertained too. Try listening to your favorite hype playlist, an audiobook or a podcast. You may find keeping your mind occupied while your body moves makes the time fly by.

Barrier: I don’t think my body can take working out every day.

Solution: Believe it or not, overdoing it at the gym, especially as you’re just getting started, may be holding you back. Taking a rest day (or two) may sound counterproductive to meeting your health and fitness goals, but it’s more important than you think!

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends that adults spend at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking or fast dancing, each week. Adults also need muscle-strengthening activity, like lifting weights or doing push-ups, at least two days each week.

While 150 minutes may sound overwhelming, you don’t have to do it all at once! Try five 30 minutes workouts a week, or two and a half hour long workouts. If you’re just starting your fitness journey, you can work towards this goal.

Make sure to give yourself at least two rest days per week. Rest days allow muscles to rebuild and prepare for their next workout. Rest days also reduce the risk of injury, which can result from overtraining.

You could also incorporate an active rest day into your routine. Active rest means participating in physical activity that is less rigorous than your usual workouts. Active rest allows you to maintain your momentum, while giving your body time to rejuvenate. Try focusing on stretching or go for a leisurely walk on your active rest days.

Barrier: I don’t want to workout alone.

Solution: If you thrive off friendly competition, or just like having a workout buddy, but don’t have anyone to go to the gym with, try a group fitness class!

Premier offers a wide variety of classes for all skill levels. From aqua aerobics and Pilates to ashtanga yoga and high intensity interval training, there’s something for everyone. You may even make new friends who turn into long-term fitness buddies.

There are also local meet-up groups searchable on Facebook and other social media apps for people who like walking, running, hiking or kayaking together. These groups can help you find your people if you’re looking for company while you’re working out.

It’s natural to face obstacles as you get started on your fitness journey. The important part is not letting those barriers discourage you. Once you make exercise a priority and part of your regular routine, it’ll get easier to keep it up. And don’t be discouraged if you have an off-day. Each day is a new opportunity to get going again.

Plus, you don’t have to do this alone! Our team at Premier is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Learn more about getting started at Premier Health & Fitness Center today.