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Reasons not to exercise: part 2
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This is part two of a series on reasons why people do not exercise. Part one
Lack of energy is cited as the second most frequent reason for not exercising. Work demands, the daily commute and familial responsibilities leave many feeling exhausted by the end of the day.
Prior to being laid off from work several months ago, Carol (name changed to maintain anonymity), did not exercise at all. Her primary reason, a lack of energy. “Getting up early or staying up late is just not an option when you’re a teacher who’s up at 6, works constantly through the day, and doesn’t leave school until 4 or later!”
But since her lay off, Carol has become more physically active. Currently, she walks and takes yoga a few times per week. “I have more energy for it because I don’t have to put so much energy/effort into my job!”
A correlation between mental fatigue and lack of energy
In a recent study where participants performed a mentally-fatiguing task prior to difficult exercise, they reached exhaustion more quickly than when they performed the same exercise while rested mentally. Read more
Ironically, researchers found that mental fatigue did not cause the heart or muscles to perform differently. This supports Weinberg and Gould’s observation that mental fatigue is typically more mental than physical. Participants’ perceived effort determined when they reached exhaustion. The next step, according to researchers, is to look at the brain to find out why people who are mentally fatigued perceive exercise to be more demanding.
Tip: As counterintuitive as it might seem, exercise gives you more energy. Exercise and regular physical activity strengthens your cardiovascular system and helps it to work more efficiently.
Researchers suggest that people doing high-intensity training (i.e. competitive athletes) should train while rested mentally and people who exercise after work should continue to do so, even if they feel fatigued mentally. Source
“You should never exercise”
Shelly Marshall is an author and adolescent addiction recovery specialist who does not exercise because of something her father once told her. “You should never exercise but get all the exercise you need from your lifestyle - the reason being is that weight lifters and runners and such built up their muscle and they could never stop.” He forewarned that she would get flabby if she started an exercise program and then stopped. “So in order not to be a slave to some exercise regime or a flabby blob,” she says, “we were told to do things in our everyday life like use the stairs...” And according to Marshall, the advice works. She and her siblings are fit and they do not “exercise.”
Lack of motivation
Robin F (name changed to maintain anonymity) admits that she does not exercise because she has not found exercises that motivate or inspire her. “I wish I were as motivated in exercise as I am with my diet, paying my bills and my work ethic,” she says. Robin is not alone.
Lack of motivation was cited as the third most frequent reason given. Statistics show that 50% of those who start an exercise program lose motivation and stop within 6 months.
Weinberg and Gould found that rigid exercise prescriptions based solely on principles of frequency, intensity and duration are too challenging for many, especially beginners. Further, they note, exercise programs that are overly restrictive can undermine motivation.
Tip: Physical activity is a necessary component of health and the best way to stay physically active on a consistent basis is to engage in activities or sports that are enjoyable.
Kim Brittingham is a self-described exercise hater. She shares her feelings and experiences about exercise via her website Kimwrites.com and her video series. “Exercise is a big bullying bruiser who’s all too happy to push me to the brink of death. It is a doomful march at gunpoint through a syrup-aired tropic jungle. It’s being face-up on a gurney, unable to tell the huddle of white coats around me what hurts, so they cannot help me.” After spending her entire life avoiding exercise, she found an activity that she loves. For her, it is riding her beach cruiser bicycle.
Coming up on Wednesday
In addition to the top three deterrents to exercise, respondents cited other, not-so-common reasons that deserve attention. Part three of this series will look at pain, embarrassment, humiliation and even breast size as reasons why people forego exercise.
For more info: Contact Chesna: Chesna@FitEsteem.com
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