It’s important to review the most common barriers to implementing a fitness oriented lifestyle as we begin to formulate our plan. Only by confronting the barriers can we overcome them. They are:

• Time- “Finding” time to exercise must become “making” time to exercise. Sometimes something as simple as logging the amount of time spent watching television can help you make changes that will make it easier to incorporate exercise in to your lifestyle. You may also find that delegating certain household or other tasks can make it easier to incorporate fitness in to your life.

• Poor Health- Research has now shown that even those with arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and back pain, among other illnesses, can benefit from exercise. Being overweight and generally out of shape means starting a little slower, but the benefits will be there. Anyone who suffers from any chronic illness should speak with their physician when starting an exercise program.

• Money- Many of us get caught in the trap that in order to get in to shape we will have to join an expensive gym, buy a wardrobe of new clothes or hire an expensive trainer for the next year. While all of those things would be nice, very few people can afford them and becoming fit doesn’t require any of them. A good pair of shoes and comfortable, loose fitting clothing is all that’s necessary to begin a fitness program.

• Fear- Being afraid of trying something new is a very real and common fear. It’s ok to acknowledge that it is a little (ok, a lot!) uncomfortable to put on those new shoes and walk around the neighborhood for the first time or go into a gym full of people who look like they know what they are doing. Everyone has to start somewhere. All those intimidating looking people at the gym were exactly where you are at one point in their lives. Get a buddy to walk or go to the gym with you, take advantage of the free personal training consultation most gyms give with membership, or ask your doctor to recommend a rehabilitation center in your area that specializes in helping people with health or weight problems.

• Knowledge- What do I do? How do I start? How do I keep from hurting myself? These are just some of the questions we will answer as we progress through this program. In addition, check out the recommended readings and Exercise articles to learn more.