Why is it so hard for me to start exercising? I know it’s good for me. It seems like I have some form of resistance to getting in better shape.

“Exercise Resistance” or ER means a conscious or unconscious block against participating in a regular active program. Studies show that some people have barriers built up from past experiences that give them a negative mindset toward exercise and food. In many cases, this prevents a person from starting or following through on an exercise program.

We all have barriers that come in different forms of emotions. Each barrier is usually due to an experience we’ve had, someone telling us a bold face lie about ourselves in a particular situation or we’ve just made up some delusional thought on our own.

Resentment

I thought the golden years were supposed to be filled with relaxing things to do, not more activities I usually put off before?

I hate the way I look. In my twenty’s I could get away with eating just about anything!

Not wanting to exercise is one thing, but resenting exercise can be paralyzing. Truly, there are only a small percentage of people who like to exercise. And the others do it for a sport or profession.  Most people hate the effort, but love the results.

Resentment toward exercise goes much deeper than just not liking the effort; it brings out rebellious attitudes. As we get older, we grow more frustrated and boundaries have to be set, we may even act like a little child at times. We stomp our feet, cross our arms and pout thinking:

“You can’t tell me what to do; I’ll show you.”

The sooner you accept the fact that exercise is going to be a part of your life, the more likely you’ll start — the more likely you will continue. Resentment is fueled by being in denial, or full of pride.

Failure

Why should I start exercising?  I will not follow through—never have. It will be just another failure.

The only failure is not starting. Success is not measured in numbers. It is measured in your growth through the process. Just because your track record may show some ups and downs has no bearing on your future efforts. Your self-worth is not based on how many times you started an exercise program.

I would rather try and feel good about it efforts even if I didn’t succeed rather than having the feeling of regret for never trying. Fear of failure is just an excuse to never try.

Perfection

“Why am I not doing this the way I know how? I might as well not do it at all.”

If you think for a second that you’re going to be perfect sticking to a plan, forget it. The truth is, it will never go the way you want it too. Life brings hurdles, road blocks and forks in the road. If you’re frightened about being perfect your intentions are not internal, but for pleasing someone else.

Let me tell you a little secret, no one else really cares if you get a hundred or fail they really only care about themselves. They will forget about you in a day no matter what the out come is.  Perfectionism is an illusion.

Comparisons

Why do people like Jane look like they do and I have to work so hard? It doesn’t seem fair!”

News flash, life isn’t fair! For some, it seems effortless to look thin and in good shape.

Some may do the exact workout plan and get totally different results. For you it is a constant trip to the dentist’s office, you totally dread it. You need to get beyond fairness.

It’s our nature to compare; envy is apart of our emotions. Once you hit a goal there will always be another one. You may even be the type that no matter what you do, it will never be good enough. Comparing yourself to others and your past is a losing battle, it only brings anger and resentment.

Expectations

Why is it so hard to balance my fitness goals and lifestyle?

Unless you have such paralyzing health problem there’s NO reason not to get some form of exercise. However, you have to be realistic and smart going about it. If your expectations are too high, you may set yourself up for failure. In some instances exercise resistance (ER) sets in before you even start.

There has to be a happy medium between goals and lifestyles. Set goals that can fit with the demands of your life. Manage time better. Expectations that are too high are self-defeating before you even start.

John gets a wake up call

After forty-five years drinking and eating, one or all three of them got to him. The next thing my buddy John knew was he was lying on his back strapped to a heart monitor with a permanent zipper from his belly button to his throat. With a tear in his eye and a cold hand, he said to me, “If only I had known?”

“No time to beat yourself up, John,” I told him. “You have been spared, learn a lesson and move forward.” Later on John told me it was his pride that got to him.

One out of three of you will break a bone. Half of you are on the verge of obesity and diabetes. A third of you will suffer a heart attack. Half of you will end up in a nursing home.

And most of you are not living a life filled with confidence, good sleeping patterns, high energy or happiness.  Do the math! Numbers do not lie. You either accept the road less traveled or you face the consequences. It’s just that simple. This may resemble a scare tactic, but the bottom line is this is reality.

If you think for one second you are exempt, above reproach, or just relying on luck or faith, think again. Your best defense is a good offense. Denial, Pride and Lazy will always creep in to make you miserable. They’re probably already in your life and you don’t see them, but you feel them.