I think we can all agree that nothing is more important than our health. Sure, things like finances, job satisfaction and self-esteem are incredibly important as well but none of the other things mentioned matter much if we’re not healthy enough to enjoy them. Health is a tricky thing in that some things about our health are out of our control while others are very much in our control.
As I wrote in my previous blog post “The Guide to Being a Healthy American”, obesity related heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, with between 60-70% of Americans categorized as being either overweight or obese. While certain illnesses are not within our control, like Type 1 Diabetes and certain cancers to name a couple, illnesses like obesity that can lead to heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and some cancers are absolutely within our control.
If that’s the case then why are nearly 2/3 of Americans still overweight or obese? In my previous blog post I talked about how our traditional American way of eating has gotten way out of control as has our sedentary lifestyles, due in some part to the rise of technology and simply not needing to move around as much. In this article I’m going to focus on why more people don’t engage in structured exercise and what can be done to fix it.
Barriers to exercise
FACT: 50% of people who begin a workout program will quit within the first 6 months.
Why is adherence to a structured exercise program such a problem for many?
Simply put, barriers to exercise are obstacles that individuals genuinely face or simply perceive that prevent them from engaging in some form of structured exercise like resistance or cardio training. Some barriers to exercise include but are not limited to…
- lack of time
- finances or a lack of expendable income for a gym membership
- lack of motivation
- lack of self-efficacy
- lack of childcare
- embarrassment
- lack of various types of supports such as instrumental, emotional, informational and companionship
- physical limitations, injuries or disabilities
Barriers to exercise can be real or perceived but almost all of them can be overcome in some form or fashion with the right planning, support system and training team. Sometimes you simply need to think outside the box.
In home personal training
While some barriers are undoubtedly more difficult to navigate than others, many of the barriers listed above can be solved by utilizing virtual or in home personal training. Millions of Americans work out at home already and are extraordinarily successful in doing so, however, they lack some of the supports that local gyms have, such as certified personal trainers.
There’s a huge population of Americans who want to work out and get healthier but are simply too embarrassed to walk into a gym and begin their body transformation journey and I get it! Walking into a gym can be extremely intimidating for many, even those who aren’t battling weight issues. For those who are, they often spend more time worrying about what others are thinking of them instead of focusing on why they’re there in the first place, to improve their overall physical fitness and health. Many will have negative experiences that prevent them from even returning.
Gym memberships were always quite an expense, a luxury almost and that trend is only continuing. Because many gyms require a long-term financial commitment, many simply cannot justify the expense. Gyms can also be difficult for those with disabilities. While ADA compliant, for some, a gym is simply not a realistic or safe place to improve their overall physical wellness.
In home personal training solves many, if not all of these barriers to exercise. Training in private in the comfort of their own home allows a client to be completely invested in the process without worrying about being judged by others. This allows an individual to increase their self-esteem which also leads to an increase in their self-efficacy or belief that they are capable of performing the exercises correctly, leading to the desired results.
It also crosses the barrier of being unable to find reliable transportation to a local gym and allows the client to work around their own schedules better by eliminating travel time to and from the gym and eliminates the need for childcare if that happens to be one of the barriers. In home personal training can also be more affordable since such services don’t usually require a long-term financial commitment.
In home training does have some limitations such as…
- limited modes of exercise (no machines)
- weights are usually limited to lighter dumbbells up to 100lbs
- availability is based on trainer availability for your requested time
- as you progress you may outgrow what services can be offered home
In home personal training is best for clients who…
- are beginners just beginning their physical fitness journey
- are intermediates looking to benefit from the 1:1 services of a personal trainer
- homebound due to physical limitations, lack of transportation or childcare services
In home personal training is not ideal for clients who…
- are advanced in their training
- require specialized training/devices for a specific sport or event
- require selectorized machines/equipment or heavy weights above 100lbs
In many cases in home personal training allows the client to get to a spot in their journey where they finally feel comfortable going to a local gym that provides them with more ways to exercise, more amenities and more ways to improve.
Looking to start your journey and are interested in in home personal training? Contact us to schedule your free consultation to learn more about how our NASM certified personal trainers can help you with your physical fitness and wellness journey!
