Diabetes
Overcoming Exercise Barriers
If you're not active, it's likely that you have at least one reason why. Perhaps you've never been very active. Maybe you're afraid you'll get low blood sugar. Think about what's keeping you from being active and then look into ways to overcome those barriers.
Here are some examples:
| Exercise Barriers | Exercise Solutions |
|---|---|
| I don't have time to exercise for 30 minutes a day. | Do as much as you can. Every step counts. If you're just starting out, start with 10 minutes a day and add more little by little. Work up to 10 minutes, three times a day. |
| I'm too tired after work. | Plan to do something active before work or during the day. |
|
I don't have the right clothes. |
Wear anything that's comfortable as long as you have shoes that fit well and socks that don't irritate your skin. |
| I'm too shy to exercise in a group. | Choose an activity you can do on your own, like following along with an aerobics class on TV or going for a walk. |
| I don't want to have sore muscles. | Exercise shouldn't hurt if you go slowly at first. Choose something you can do without getting sore. Learn how to warm up and stretch before you do something active and how to cool down afterward. |
| I'm afraid I'll get low blood sugar. | If you're taking a medication that could cause low blood sugar, talk to your health care provider about ways to exercise safely. |
| Walking hurts my knees. | Try chair exercises or swimming. |
| It's too hot outside. | If it's too hot, too cold, too humid, or raining, walk inside a school or shopping center. |
| It's not safe to walk in my neighborhood. | Find an indoor activity, like an exercise class at a community center. |
| I'm afraid I'll make my condition worse. | Get a checkup before planning your fitness routine. Learn what's safe for you to do. |
| I can't afford to join a fitness center or buy equipment. | Do something that doesn't require fancy equipment, like walking or using cans of food for weights. |
| Exercise is boring. | Find something you enjoy doing. Try different activities on different days. |