Don't Let These Obstacles Get in the Way of Your Workout

Posted by Chris Freytag on March 1, 2017

Let’s face it: when it comes to working out, most of us have the best intentions.  We set our alarms, plan to hit the gym or the trail bright and early, and yet somehow even the best laid plans can go awry. Whether we feel tired, sick, sore, or too busy to fit in a workout, life can and often does get in the way of our fitness goals. But there’s a saying I go back to, by Jim Rohn, when this happens to me: “either you run the day, or the day runs you.” And it’s true! YOU have the power to overcome obstacles standing between you and accomplishing your workout. Let’s overcome these workout obstacles together so we can move on with our day feeling great!

The Obstacle: Too Sore

Whether your muscles are sore from an injury or your joints have started to ache in the morning when you wake up as the years go by, we all experience occasional pain. If it’s serious pain, or you’re recovering from a sprain, fracture, or surgery, of course consult with your doctor before resuming your workouts. But dealing with day-to-day soreness shouldn’t stop you from getting those workouts in.

The solution: Daily Massage

There’s no better way to keep your body feeling pain-free than preventative care. In addition to daily stretching and watching your posture, another habit that can alleviate pain is daily massage. No, I’m not talking about driving yourself to the spa every day, I mean self-massage or myofacial release, which helps to break up sore muscle tissues and stimulate blood flow so you can feel better! A foam roller is always a great tool, but I also like to use the Wahl Deep Tissue Massager because I can pack it with me wherever I go, whether it’s traveling to a different city or just between work meetings. It offers customized relief through its interchangeable attachments and pressure control, so I can increase the intensity or type of massage depending on the area that hurts. It’s powerful enough to work on large muscle groups or pinpoint specific aches and pains. And once you loosen up those muscles and relieve your pain you’ll be ready to tackle that next workout excuse-free!

The Obstacle: Too Busy

Listen, I get it. Everyone’s life gets busy. Deadlines and obligations pile up, and we find ourselves barreling from one thing to the next without time to catch our breath. So what can you do to workout when it seems you physically don’t have time to?

The solution: Quickie Workouts

It’s time for a little tough love. You know that saying, “You have the same number of hours in a day as Beyonce.” I hate to break it to you, but it’s true. Step one is to free yourself of the belief that to truly check “workout” off your to-do list, you have to exercise for hours on end. You don’t! If you want to feel great and make steps to get in better shape but don’t have a lot of time, quickie workouts every now and then are a great solution. Even a 10 or 15 minute workout can burn calories, boost your metabolism, and improve your mood, helping you make healthier choices throughout the rest of the day and in turn, encouraging you to workout again the next day. Try some of my favorite 10 minute workouts or try some quick workouts on GHU TV!

The Obstacle: Too Tired

Never does a workout sound less appealing than when you’re tired. You didn’t sleep well last night or the night before, and a high intensity workout sounds like it’s going to have you passed out on the floor in a matter of moments. So here’s the age old question: if you’re tired, is it better to skip the workout or power through?

The solution: Power Through

Ok, if you’re truly exhausted, yes, you might need a day off from exercise. After all, there is a value in taking a rest day now and then. But if it’s just a little fatigue, remember this: oftentimes once you actually do the workout, you get that natural burst of energy that wakes you up for the rest of the day. Complement the workout with extra water throughout the day and healthy, protein-packed meals and you’ll feel more energized in no time.

The Obstacle: Boredom

Ah, perhaps the biggest obstacle of all: not wanting to work out in the first place. It can be so hard to motivate ourselves to lace up those shoes, head out the door, and start sweating sometimes. So I’m here to tell you a bit of good news: you don’t have to hate your workouts anymore.

The solution: Vary Your Workouts

If the thought of working out fills you with dread, it may be time to find a new workout. Don’t feel like you have to slog away on the treadmill for hours at a time if that makes you want to pull your hair out. The joy of exercise is finding an activity that you genuinely enjoy, and mixing up your routine enough so it stays fun and exciting. Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Sign up for a spin class, a swimming lesson, or a dance class. Don’t worry about being a beginner at a new activity that sounds exciting but you know nothing about. The very best workout is the one you enjoy doing. So stop torturing yourself and make your movement fun .

Chris Freytag is a nationally recognized health and wellness expert with more than 20 years of experience.  She is also the author of seven books, dozens of fitness DVD, the founder of GetHealthyU.com , and a regular contributor to Prevention magazine as well as the HuffingtonPost and Self magazine.