Throughout my 20+ career, I have heard it all! Well, I think I have heard it all when comes to excuses and why folks are not exercising or trying to improve their balance. The excuses range from “I don’t have time” to “it hurts when I move,” however, there are some differences to consider between an excuse and an obstacle. For example, “not having time” to exercise or work on one’s balance would align more as an excuse, whereas someone with neuropathy would be considered an obstacle that one must overcome.
Excuses come in many shapes and sizes for people. I have found success motivating people by focusing on the short term “wins” in their routines. For example, balance is something that comes easy for some but for a lot of Seniors, balance can be particularly challenging and frustrating. A favorite method of mine is to find a balance position or movement that one can do efficiently, then have them work on that position or movement for several weeks in a row. As the days pass, the individual will become more familiar and more comfortable in that position or movement, and they will quickly begin to see themselves improve. The faster people can begin to see results, the fewer excuses they will make! What are some common excuses (*1):
Most of us can relate, and can honestly say that we’ve used at least one or a combination of these excuses!
Obstacles can be a bit trickier because they can impact one’s ability to move or balance. Obstacles include challenges like neuropathy, polio, the results of a stroke and neurological disorders. Obstacles seriously impact one’s ability to improve their strength and balance but does NOT make it impossible. How should you handle one or more obstacles? Well, it depends on what you’re dealing with and challenges they present. I take these on a case-by-case basis when I’m working one-on-one with clients. In many cases, you have to be creative and think out of the box but I want to offer my experience, knowledge and suggestions to anyone reading this blog and struggling to find ways to overcome their obstacles. Common obstacles include:
If you have a loved one or a patient or spouse that is having a bit of trouble improving their balance, identify if they are facing an excuse or an obstacle and you should be able to find a path forward that will produce results!
Website:
https://www.emeritushealthfitness.com/the-bu-blog
SOURCES:
Excuses come in many shapes and sizes for people. I have found success motivating people by focusing on the short term “wins” in their routines. For example, balance is something that comes easy for some but for a lot of Seniors, balance can be particularly challenging and frustrating. A favorite method of mine is to find a balance position or movement that one can do efficiently, then have them work on that position or movement for several weeks in a row. As the days pass, the individual will become more familiar and more comfortable in that position or movement, and they will quickly begin to see themselves improve. The faster people can begin to see results, the fewer excuses they will make! What are some common excuses (*1):
- I’m tired
- I just don’t have time
- I’ve got sore body parts
- I’m too fatigued
- I don’t want to risk injury
- I don’t want to over-train
- I’m thinking about replacing the treadmill for walks at the mall
- I don’t want to sweat or get out of breath
- I need to lose weight first
- I tried working out, it didn’t work
- It takes too long to see results
Most of us can relate, and can honestly say that we’ve used at least one or a combination of these excuses!
Obstacles can be a bit trickier because they can impact one’s ability to move or balance. Obstacles include challenges like neuropathy, polio, the results of a stroke and neurological disorders. Obstacles seriously impact one’s ability to improve their strength and balance but does NOT make it impossible. How should you handle one or more obstacles? Well, it depends on what you’re dealing with and challenges they present. I take these on a case-by-case basis when I’m working one-on-one with clients. In many cases, you have to be creative and think out of the box but I want to offer my experience, knowledge and suggestions to anyone reading this blog and struggling to find ways to overcome their obstacles. Common obstacles include:
- The affects of Polio on flexibility and movement
- The affects of a stroke
- Neuropathy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Meniere’s disease
- Amputations
- Drop foot
- Vestibular disorders
If you have a loved one or a patient or spouse that is having a bit of trouble improving their balance, identify if they are facing an excuse or an obstacle and you should be able to find a path forward that will produce results!
Website:
https://www.emeritushealthfitness.com/the-bu-blog
SOURCES:
- Senior Fitness 4 Life (https://seniorfitness4life.com/top-10-excuses-seniors-use-to-not-exercise/)
