Learn How To Beat Barriers To Losing Weight Over Forty
Date: Friday December 4, 2009Posted in: Health
Whether real or perceived, the common barriers to exercise keep thousands of men and women every year from becoming fit and losing weight after 40. Studies have shown that people who are overweight legitimately feel that there are substantial obstacles preventing them from exercise. Most of these people know the dangerous risks of living a sedentary lifestyle, but do not know how to break through these barriers. Today, we are going to discuss some of the more common barriers to fitness over 40 and how you can overcome them.
In today’s economy, everyone is cutting costs and the gym membership is often the first to go. However, cutting costs does not mean you have to cut out exercise too. Instead, try going for a run or walk around the block. If you own a bike, go for a ride. If you can make a habit of riding your bike to run nearby errands you will lose weight and save money on gasoline.
Money is not the only thing keeping people from the gym. A lot of people, especially women, admit to feeling embarrassed at the gym. Many are worried that they will look like “beginners” on the machines and others worry that they are too big and will not fit on the machines. Others express intimidation because they look extremely out of shape compared to the many athletes at the gym. Psychological barriers like these can be the most difficult to break down, but it is not impossible.
It is alright if you are too nervous to go to a gym. There are great alternatives you can do at home. Cardio, aerobic, yoga, and pilates videos are fantastic tools for losing weight after 40. There are so many to choose from that you should find one that will excite and motivate you which accommodating your fitness level. Also, a home gym is a great way to strength train if you can afford one. This can supplement your cardio to help you build and tone muscle while you lose unwanted fat.
Many people worry that they might injure themselves if they begin an exercise program. They fear they may injure a muscle or joint. More importantly, they fear they may induce a heart attack, low blood sugar, or another critical problem. These are valid concerns, but if you use caution there is no reason why you cannot begin a fitness routine.
You should always talk to your doctor before beginning a program for losing weight after 40. If you have a previous muscle or joint issue, you may be instructed to wear a brace or take supplements. If you have previous heart problems, the doctor may suggest a more gradual approach to training. If you have diabetes, you will probably be given a nutrition plan to compliment your workouts. Despite any problems, your doctor will probably tell you that you are doing more damage to your body by remaining sedentary than you ever will by exercising.
One of the easiest, but most common, barriers to overcome is the belief that you do not have the time. The fact of the matter is that you have the same 24 hour day that every other person has, including people in great shape. The difference is that those people have made fitness over 40 a priority. Fitness experts recommend getting up early in the morning for exercise, especially if you often feel fatigued after work. In fact, exercise can increase your energy levels and help you perform better the rest of the day. If you worry about missed time with loved ones, you should try an activity that you can do together such as bike riding, basketball, hiking, or canoeing.
There is no obstacle that you cannot get over or work past. No mental or physical barrier is important enough to risk your health. There is no time like the present to start preventing the age and weight related illnesses that so many people suffer from later in life. When you break down these barriers you will have the full potential to be healthier, thinner, happier, and stronger than you have ever been.
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