Earlier this week, we wrapped up a four-week series of yoga at work for TOPS employees. Aside from feeling a nice blend of relaxed and energized after each session, I loved that we all had varying levels of yoga experience from beginner (me) to advanced. This helped prove that, no matter where we are on our fitness journey, we can all benefit from moving a little more as long as we listen to our bodies. This also got me thinking about some common exercise misconceptions that can stand in the way of our weight-loss goals. You may have said or heard things like:
“It’s too hard.” Exercise can be as simple or as difficult as you want it to be. Maybe you have a friend who loves triathlons or intense bootcamp classes. If this works for her, great! If it’s not your thing, that’s totally okay too. Find something that you enjoy and don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you. Exercise does not have to include pain, treadmills or buckets of sweat.
“I don’t have the time.” We all get the same 24 hours in a day and we tend to spend this time on what is most important to us. You’ll never find the time for exercise. You have to make the time.
“I don’t have any equipment.”* You don’t need any special equipment to head out for a walk. And you might be surprised by how you can squeeze in some simple bodyweight exercises during the commercial breaks of your favorite show. Sometimes, I’ll even sneak in a few simple movements while I’m cooking at home. Gentle stretches are a great way to pass the time while you’re waiting for the oven to preheat or water to boil.
Do you have any tips for overcoming fitness barriers? Share them in the comments section below!
*Members, you find sample workouts for all ability levels in the Members Area of tops.org under Getting Active, Workouts.
You are so right. Do it for yourself it like making your bed you will feel good after it is done each day. Today I walked the sap lines and checked them in the snow. Ten years ago I wouldn’t have thought it exercise but I look at it different now and pat myself on my back and feel good.