Barriers to Physical Activity

Morgan Walker, BS, ACSM EP-C September 29, 2016

There are countless reasons to engage in daily physical activity for both physical and mental health.  So why isn’t everyone doing it?  They are called barriers to physical activity and there have been many theories and models developed to help the exercise physiologist (EP) guide their clients to a healthier, more active lifestyle.  This blog will address some common barriers and examples of strategies for the EP to employ  progress  of the client’s activity level.

Lack of time is a popular barrier often because people do not realize a) the minimum amount of time physical activity needs to be in order to get benefits and b) the numerous opportunities for short bouts of physical activity throughout the day.  If this is determined to be the case with a client, the EP should first ask to see a detailed schedule for the typical client’s week.1  They should analyze the schedule together and find short time slots that add up to 90 minutes by the end of the week.  Incorporating simple exercise increases the likelihood of compliance for example: walking and stair climbing.1  Once the client becomes comfortable with  their  schedule, the EP should encourage him/her to add other activities that would contribute to the recommended 15o min/wk of physical activity.2

Lack of energy tends to be an issue and there are many reasons for it but it’s especially prominent in adults who work full time.  There are a few approaches to this barrier.  First, the EP should help the client determine times during the day when they feel most energetic and schedule those short bouts during those times.1  Even if that approach works, there will be days, especially in the beginning, when the client will feel tired.  The EP must be proactive and warn the client that they may feel tired with the added activity, but given a short amount of time the activity will actually increase their energy level.1  Another idea not listed in the text but rather learned from my own experience, if it has not been done already, the EP should analyze the client’s daily food log.  Because food is energy, hypo-caloric and/or "empty-calorie" choices would lead to lethargy.

Lack of skill is a factor that EP may not consider at first because typically, he/she has found a niche in fitness.  Men and women  struggle with this barrier and it would be difficult to determine the gender in which it’s most prevalent.  First, the EP should emphasize activities that take little to no skill,  such as walking.1  However, it is also the job of the EP to open the client to new modes of physical activity.  After gaining the trust of the client the EP may encourage certain skill development-- for example: swimming or cycling.  Group classes when available are an option if the client is willing because typically there are several beginners in such classes.  

There are other barriers and it is the obligation of the EP to help and encourage clients to a healthier lifestyle.  Using the hyperlinks above, the EP can become familiar with those barriers, their solutions and also popular counseling solutions that remain within the scope of practice.         

References

1Centers for Disease Control (February 16, 2011). Overcoming Barriers to Physical Activity. Retrieved from      

   http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adding-pa/barriers.html.

2American College of Sports Medicine., & Pescatello, L. S. ACSM's guidelines for exercise

   testing and prescription. Ninth edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

   Health; 2014. 8 p.