A family schedule, a job, a social life, and a fitness regimen? It can be really draining to try to balance everything.
There are numerous obstacles, both physical and mental, that might prevent you from sticking to a regular workout routine, particularly when you have a lot of other things that need to be prioritized. However, the new year is a good time to think back on your self-care practices and how you can continue to be strong, healthy, and at your best.
You’re not the only one who finds it difficult to dedicate yourself to exercise. These are some of the most common psychological and practical barriers that prevent women from following a consistent exercise regimen, along with solutions.
I Don t Have Time to Work Out
This barrier is frequently not merely mental. You can find yourself in a situation where you simply do not have the time to spend an hour at the gym each day, whether you are juggling several jobs, balancing work and childcare, or simply trying to maintain the precarious balance you have achieved in your life.
The following advice can help you fit some exercise into your hectic schedule:
- First, go through your weekly schedule and see if you can find a few 30-minute slots where you could fit in some activity. You may be surprised to find some windows here and there. If you do find a few 30-minute pockets, be intentional about blocking them off for yourself each week. Don t worry about that tight timeline a super-effective circuit workout can train your whole body in just 20 minutes.
- Don t get overwhelmed by going too big. Yes, the CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity each week, but yes, you can also start small. If you have a 10-minute window every other day when you can fit in a light ab circuit or mobility routine, take that opportunity.
- Consider how you can make your daily schedule more active. Can you run the stairs at work during lunch? Can you switch to a standing or walking desk so you can spend some time out of your chair while you work? Can you do a light exercise routine or use a walking pad while you watch TV in the evening?
I Don t Have a Workout Buddy
While some people prefer to work out alone to clear their minds, others find that working out with a friend or two can help them stay motivated, make the gym less frightening, and provide a companion to share in their victories. Here are some methods for locating a fitness-minded group if you’ve asked friends and relatives to work out with you and they have declined:
- Use a platform like Meetup to seek people near you who are also interested in finding workout buddies.
- Don t underestimate the power of a local studio, class, or fitness group you re interested in. Clubs are especially handy tools for folks interested in running or walking since there are run groups tailored to everyone from active moms to newbies nervous about judgment. Try fitness classes and clubs that pique your interest, and don t be afraid to strike up a conversation.
- If you just need the unseen presence of other people to provide accountability and community, you can join a live fitness class online. Peloton has become pretty ubiquitous in the live virtual class space, but there are actually lots of live-streaming fitness class options to pick from.
Pictured by Zinkevych through 123RF
I Don t Have the Energy to Work Out
Fatigue can be a major obstacle to working out, whether you’re working long hours or you’re worn out from parenting, or both. Here are some pointers for staying fit when you’re exhausted:
- You don t need to be a morning person to work out. In fact, if you re already struggling with fatigue, be flexible with yourself and try to plan your workouts for the times of day when you know you have the most energy.
- While this fact may not help you start a fitness routine, it may help you keep going to know that working out regularly will begin to improve several facets of your energy and mood. A regular workout routine can boost the brain chemicals that make you feel happy and relaxed, build your endurance to help you navigate everyday activities more efficiently, and help you sleep more deeply.
You deserve the mental, physical, and practical advantages that come from overcoming your obstacles and adopting a consistent fitness regimen in the new year, even if you’re exhausted and pressed for time.
