Why We Give Up: The Psychology of Fitness and Working Out
Starting a new fitness program can be a daunting task, but the benefits of regular exercise are well-documented. Improved physical health, reduced stress and anxiety, increased energy, and a better overall sense of well-being are just a few of the benefits that come with regular exercise. However, despite our best intentions, many of us struggle to stick with a new fitness program for very long. Let’s explore the psychology of why we give up.
- Unrealistic expectations
One of the most common reasons why people give up on a new fitness program is because they have unrealistic expectations about what they can achieve in a short amount of time. Whether it's losing a significant amount of weight or building a lot of muscle mass quickly, setting unrealistic goals can be discouraging when you don't see immediate results. Instead of setting lofty goals, focus on making small, sustainable changes to your routine that will help you build momentum and stay motivated over time.
- Lack of support
Another common reason why people give up on a new fitness program is that they don't have a support system in place. Whether it's a workout buddy, a supportive partner, or family member, or a coach or trainer, having someone to hold you accountable and offer encouragement can make a huge difference when it comes to sticking with an exercise routine. The Corefirst Community is specifically built for this! Feeling unmotivated or need answers to your questions? Post about it! There are hundreds of peers and Corefirst experts at the ready to assist you and give you that extra push!
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- Boredom
Sticking with the same workout routine day after day can get boring quickly, and can lead to a lack of motivation and interest in exercise. To combat boredom, try mixing up your routine by trying new activities or exercises, or incorporating different types of workouts into your routine. For example, if you usually do cardio workouts, try adding some strength training or yoga into your routine. Corefirst has 8 different programs and HUNDREDS of videos in our exercise library, and there is ALWAYS a new program in the works!
Pro tip: choose a different coach or program theme every day, it will keep your workouts fresh and keep you on your toes (literally).
- Lack of time
One of the most common reasons why people give up on a new fitness program is because they feel like they don't have enough time to exercise regularly. However, even short workouts can be effective, and finding small pockets of time throughout the day to move your body can make a big difference. Try breaking up your workouts into shorter, more manageable sessions throughout the day, or incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine, such as walking or biking to work or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. This is the exact reason why we have 40, 30, 20, 15, and even 30-second workout videos available! You can choose exactly how long your workouts are, and even if you need to perform a few 30-second videos during your Netflix commercial breaks, do what you can to fit it in!
- Lack of intrinsic motivation
Finally, one of the most important factors when it comes to sticking with a new fitness program is intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal drive to engage in an activity because it is enjoyable, rewarding, or fulfilling in and of itself, rather than because of external rewards or pressure from others (some examples of this would be getting more attention from others, looking better in clothing, fitting into an old pair of jeans, etc.). To cultivate intrinsic motivation for exercise, focus on finding activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good fundamentally, rather than using external factors to fuel you.
Giving up on a new fitness program can be frustrating, but it's important to remember that setbacks are a normal part of the process. By understanding the psychology behind giving up and taking steps to stay motivated and engaged with your exercise routine, you can set yourself up for success and reap the many benefits of regular exercise.
Giving up on a new fitness program can be frustrating, but it's important to remember that setbacks are a normal part of the process. By understanding the psychology behind giving up and taking steps to stay motivated and engaged with your exercise routine, you can set yourself up for success and reap the many benefits of regular exercise.
