You’re Unsure Where to Begin

"Should I invest in a gym membership or a Peloton? Should I try yoga classes or go for a trail run? The options are overwhelming!"

Begin with what you enjoy (or don’t enjoy) and build from there. If running isn’t your thing, don’t aim for a marathon. If you thrive in outdoor settings with friends, consider joining a local softball league. Fitness isn't confined to lifting weights in a gym filled with strangers.

Taking that initial step is crucial; you can always adjust your path as you progress.

You Lack Time

"Life is hectic. I can barely manage to eat, sleep, and work. How can I find time to exercise?"

Look for those small pockets of time.

In 2019, video gamers averaged 3.25 hours of gameplay per day. By 2020, the average Netflix viewer spent 3.2 hours watching shows daily. In 2022, people were on social media for about 2.5 hours each day.

You might need to cut back on a few episodes of your favorite series, but there’s plenty of time to incorporate fitness.

You Can’t Decide on a Goal

"Should I focus on weight loss, muscle gain, speed, or performance? There are just too many choices!"

Avoid getting stuck in analysis paralysis. Ask yourself some straightforward questions: What feels right? What aligns with your interests? Are there health conditions to consider?

Having a clear goal sharpens your focus and improves your chances of success.

But what if you have multiple goals?

Focus on one at a time. For instance, it’s challenging to lose weight and build muscle simultaneously. It requires exceptional commitment (and often genetics). Prioritize one goal and then tackle the next.

You Have Unhealthy Habits

"Ordering takeout is so convenient."

"My job keeps me seated all day."

"I can’t resist distractions that delay my bedtime."

Building fitness involves more than just physical exercise; it’s about cultivating positive habits and minimizing the negative ones. While this may sound straightforward, it is often quite challenging.

Stick to one habit at a time. Identify the one that has the most significant negative impact and address it first. For me, going to bed on time is difficult, so I’ve programmed my internet router to turn off at 10 PM. It may seem extreme, but it’s effective.

Once you tackle one habit, move on to the next. There’s always another habit to improve.

You’re Lacking Motivation

"I'm too exhausted."

"It's too challenging."

"I'm just not interested."

Maintaining fitness can be incredibly tough. It demands ongoing effort over time.

If you’re not genuinely motivated, it’s unlikely you’ll succeed. Many of us turn to the wrong sources for motivation — negative influences like fear or envy.

True motivation comes from within. You’ll find that fitness is sustainable only when you genuinely enjoy it. If that’s not the case for you, it’s time to try something new!

Your Workouts Feel Monotonous

"It's the same routine day in and day out."

"Training feels like a chore."

"I no longer experience the same thrill I used to."

To combat boredom, introduce variety into your routine. If your workouts feel repetitive, it might be a sign that you’re not challenging yourself enough or that you need a change.

When I find my distance running training becoming dull, I incorporate intervals or join team sports to add excitement.

You Struggle with Nutrition

"Eating healthy is such a hassle."

Meal prepping is invaluable.

Set aside time on Sundays to prepare meals for the week ahead. This way, when hunger strikes, all you need to do is reheat your prepped meals.

Keep nutritious snacks within reach. Some of my favorites include veggies and hummus, apples with peanut butter, and salted almonds. I also stash protein bars at my desk.

"I don’t know how to cook."

It’s time to learn. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a repertoire of gourmet meals; 3–4 solid recipes are more than enough.

Your Support System Is Lacking

"My friends and family don’t support my journey. They resent my efforts to improve myself."

This can be challenging.

Those closest to you may expect you to maintain the status quo. Any changes you make can feel threatening to them, as if you are implying they are not enough.

Don’t let their doubts deter you from your goals. You can’t control how others react to your growth. Many people are unable to pursue meaningful self-improvement, but you can.

Training Is Overwhelming

"Working out feels too demanding, both physically and mentally."

Exercise is designed to stress the body, which leads to improved strength, reduced fat, and enhanced athletic performance.

However, it’s essential to know your limits. If you feel fatigued or emotionally drained, dial back your intensity. Take the time to recover until you feel like yourself again.

Start slow and gradually increase your activity level. Fitness is a journey, much like learning to crawl before walking or running.

Injuries Are a Constant

"This always happens! Just as I find my rhythm, I get sidelined by an injury."

Injury is an inherent part of the fitness journey.

Every fitness enthusiast will encounter injuries at some point. The severity may differ, but we all face setbacks.

Instead of viewing injuries as obstacles, consider them learning experiences. Pain serves as an important feedback mechanism. If something feels wrong, your body will signal this through pain. If ignored, this can lead to more significant injuries.

Don’t just sulk during recovery; use this time to reflect on what led to your injury. Identify the underlying causes and take steps to prevent future injuries.

Cost Is a Barrier

"Everything seems so pricey these days. I can’t afford gym memberships or equipment."

It’s time to rethink your perspective on fitness.

Fitness doesn’t have to rely on expensive gym memberships or trendy gear. It’s about vitality, energy, and improving your health.

With just a good pair of shoes, you can walk or run your way to better health. A simple pull-up bar can help you build upper body strength, and a $10 frisbee can lead to a fun, active outing with friends.

Just because something is costly doesn’t mean it’s valuable, and something inexpensive can still hold immense worth.

Fear of Failure Holds You Back

"What if I fail? What if I don’t meet my goals?"

Here’s a little secret: you will encounter failures.

You might not experience total catastrophe, but setbacks are part of the journey. Fitness is not an exact science; trial and error are essential components.

Failure can actually be beneficial. It fosters resilience, determination, and tenacity.

Consider the great Michael Jordan — he missed half of his game-winning shots yet is celebrated as one of the best basketball players of all time. He learned from his failures and kept pushing forward.

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