Fitness hurdles are more common than you think! Not everyone is a seasoned athlete, and nearly all people who engage in fitness struggle at some point or another with tough challenges.

Fitness is Hard. You’re Not Alone!

As we say time and time again, the weight management journey isn’t always easy. In a society that makes convenience the very center of all things, it takes a lot of physical and mental stamina to continue on the path toward improved health and wellness.

If you find yourself facing a stressful fitness hurdle or mountain in your journey, don’t discount your efforts. Try to never use words like “lazy,” “weak,” “failure” or “impossible.” Fitness is all about progression, and it takes a long time to train your body.

Even the most experienced athletes, fitness coaches and gym-goers will tell you that progress is an ongoing journey. You will find that a lot of trial and error is involved. So… lace up your shoes, pick your head up and start looking long distance!

Overcome Your Fitness Hurdles

Are you stuck in a rough spot? Have you reached a fitness plateau? Don’t let your stamina begin to wear down. Consider these tips for overcoming common challenges:

“I’m Starting to Get Bored.”

Are you faced with little motivation to exercise because you’re tired of the same routine? Now is the time to explore new options. Learn a new skill, take a new class or invest in a new piece of workout equipment. Also remember to choose activities you enjoy. If you easily get tired of the gym, try taking your workout outdoors for a hike or swim.

To avoid repetitive movements that work the same muscles again and again, remember to vary your routine and rotate among several different activities. Finally, try joining forces with friends, family members or even a fitness coach to kick things up a notch!

“I’m Too Tired to Exercise.”

No energy to get up and get active? Try changing your perception. Without exercise, you’ll have no energy! To start, try switching up the time of day you work out and go from there.

Start in the morning after a cup of coffee and squeeze-in a workout before the rest of your day begins. If mornings aren’t an option, try afternoon lunch breaks or evenings before dinner. Stay energized throughout the day by drinking plenty of water and eating healthy.

“I’m Running Out of Time.”

It’s okay, we get it. Schedules keep us busy! However, consider making exercise a priority in your lifestyle that can’t be overlooked or neglected. Try squeezing-in a short walk throughout the day, waking up earlier, shifting your plans around or taking a more active approach to your errands. For example, walk to work or the grocery store if you’re able.

“I’m Struggling to Complete the Workout.”

If you find yourself faced with aches and pains, out of breath or even injured, you may be approaching your workout the wrong way. First, assess your exercise routine. Is the difficulty level too high at this time? That’s okay. Scale it down a notch and aim for less intensity or duration. You’ll find that starting small will prime your body and lead to greater achievements later on. If you’re still struggling to get through your exercise routine, consider the help of a health professional or fitness trainer.

“I Don’t Think I Can Do it.”

Sometimes your biggest fitness hurdle is your mind. Remember that everyone starts off at square one. To help relieve some of your mental stress and apprehension, set SMART goals you know that you can stick to. Then, build gradually from there.

Share your goals with your friends, family and/or health provider to build accountability and gain encouragement. Don’t try going at your fitness journey alone! From there, remember to pace your workouts and remind yourself of the reason you are wanting to exercise.

Conclusion

Throughout your fitness journey, you will likely face many bumps in the road. They key is to maneuver your way around those bumps and get to the other side. There is ALWAYS another side! Don’t sweat the heat. Simply take a step back from the challenge, evaluate the situation and create a plan. Then, apply that plan and make a note of what worked for you.