As the end of spring passes, many of our most well intentioned “get fit” resolutions have been broken, and new research might help to explain why motivation for exercise is hard to maintain. It’s not that we don’t know exercise is good for us, that it might help to improve our self image, our mood and how we sleep, we do; but we struggle to stick to those fitness goals. Surprisingly, those who believe most strongly in the importance of exercise are the obese and overweight according to a survey of more than 1,500 men and women conducted by researchers at George Washington University Medical Center.
The trouble is that many who are carrying extra weight cringe at the thought of huffing and puffing in front of more fit gym goers according to the poll. No surprise there. And it’s not just the gym patrons, many feel intimidated about sweating it out in front of the in shape health club staff.
Compared to men of any size, women are more likely to feel overwhelmed by complicated gym equipment, to feel the need for trendy clothing and the added discomfort of exercising in front of men.
In the end, it’s these feelings, not a lack of determination or willpower, that might be keeping resolution breakers from regular exercise. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, two thirds of American adults are either overweight or obese. Since 1980, obesity rates have doubled for adults and tripled for children.
“Overweight people have received the message from their physicians and all the publicity about the importance of exercise,” explains study author Wayne C. Miller, a professor of exercise science at George Washington University Medical Center. “Most of the negativism or barriers that are associated with not participating in exercise are emotional, and there are differences between men and women.”
In the study, about 18% of respondents belonged to a health club; 82% did not. Much like the U.S. population, about two thirds of the survey respondents were considered obese or overweight.
The more a subject weighed, the lower their assessment of their own health, yet despite being aware that they needed to exercise, negative feelings about the health club environment, for both men and women, kept them from working out there.
Health club owners take note – look for ways to make overweight or obese patrons feel welcome, rather than self conscious or intimidated by the environment or equipment, and you’ll have a steady supply of clients.
The survey also found that just about 30% of those who are trying to lose weight meet the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommendations for exercise – that’s 2.5 hours a week of moderate aerobic activity.
While experts can’t say just how much exercise is needed, we do know that being active on a regular basis helps to reduce obesity related diseases, and has been shown to help those who do lose weight, to keep it off.
The key might be to stay away from the all-or-nothing approach to exercise, and fitness. Don’t expect a daily commitment to spinning classes at the health club to work – Instead start by making smaller changes like taking the stairs, parking far away from the entrance, or enjoying a walk at lunch to get a few extra minutes of exercise in each day. Once you’ve reached this goal, move forward – slow, steady steps to get more activity into your day so that in six months you can take, and enjoy, that class.
This approach also works when it comes to what you eat. A few small changes can add up to big ones over time. Try to eat a bit less each day and substitute low calorie, healthy options for the richer, bad-for-you choices you’re used to making.
Drink more water and keep an eye on your portion sizes. Make changes that are gradual, heading in the right direction and not too restrictive, and you’ll be taking healthy steps that will help keep your motivation for exercise up and are good for your body today and in the future.
