Here’s how to overcome exercise inhibitions

Some people are natural athletes when it comes to exercise and getting in shape.  They move with ease and grace demonstrating self-confidence in their body’s ability to perform a variety of moves many of us can only marvel at.

For others, they know the importance of exercise and being more physically active.  They want to get in better shape to feel healthier with more energy.  They’ve heard the warnings of how physical inactivity puts them at risk of weight gain, muscle atrophy, heart disease, diabetes, lowered immune functioning and so on.

But often the one thing inhibiting them and perhaps yourself from doing so is simply feeling uncomfortable exercising around others.  This one inhibition can be a major roadblock preventing you from being an active exercise participant to instead becoming an uneasy exercise nonparticipant.

Anyone who wants the gift of good health has to work at it at some point in their life.  That gift just doesn’t fall out of the sky no matter what kind of genes you were blessed with.  You need and want to get in better physical shape. Yet you’re hindered by what others may think if they see you working out. Your dream of achieving the body you want may never come true. Now is the time to get serious and to stop any negative thoughts or self-talk getting in the way of achieving a very worthwhile goal affecting your health and your life.

For a total physical fitness program it must include the following:

·      Aerobics – This burns calories and great for cardiovascular fitness.  Aid for at least 30-60 minutes of moderate intensity activity most days of the week. 

·      Resistance training – Tones and maintains muscle strength.  Aim for 2-3 days per week.

·      Flexibility exercises – Improves joint function and muscle performance.  Aim for at least 2-3 days a week or more. 

To start, dress the part.  When you look good without breaking sweat, you’ll look even better when you do.  Begin by choosing comfortable, loose-fitting exercise clothes.  This means:

·      Clothing made with moisture-wicking fabrics to absorb sweat keeping you cool during a workout.

·      Women should wear a well-fitting sports bra.

·      Try shopping online if you have difficulty finding workout clothes in local stores. Try www.athleta.com or www.titlenine.com or www.fabletics.com.

·      Buy athletic shoes that fit well and are suited for the types of exercise you do.

·      Choose shoes that feel comfortable when you first try them on.  Make sure the width and length are big enough and check that the shoe fits your arch type.

·      Running shoes offer the most cushion, support and flexibility and can be used by people who walk for exercise.

Secondly, if the thought of being seen exercising still bothers you, then turn your home into a workout haven.  Here’s how:

·      Plan to work up to a total physical fitness program

·      Make a list of different home exercise options such as:

o   Using home equipment like a treadmill, stationary exercise bike, or an elliptical machine.

o   Use free weights or bands for resistance and strength training.

o   Follow a home exercise video/DVD or go to YouTube for hundreds of free online videos for aerobics, toning, lifting free weights, dance, barre exercises, yoga, Pilates, core strengthening, stability ball, kickboxing or chair exercises.  If you go to  YouTube, just type in “beginning…..” and up will pop many free videos to try out seeing which ones you like best.

A third plan is to sneak in walking throughout the day without anyone knowing you are actually exercising by:

·      Taking stairs instead of elevators

·      Parking your car farther away

·      Walking to a coworker’s desk instead of emailing

·      Walking during your lunch hour

·      Getting off the bus, subway or train one stop earlier

·      Walking your child to school

·      Walking your dog longer

·      Walking to mail a letter

Once the pounds start to come off and you notice how much better you feel, suddenly you realize you are not as uneasy working out as you used to be.  In fact, you’ll enjoy and look forward to daily physical activity and the positive changes it brings. 

The best part is people will view you with admiration inspired by your courage and perseverance to take charge of your health once and for all. 

Anyone who has not been physically active for some time should always consult with their physician to make sure it is safe for you to do so and in help deciding what exercise program is suited for you.