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As part of Move More Month, a fitness expert with Aspirus Health provided tips on how to overcome challenges related to exercise.
“In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for exercise can seem daunting, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) findings that only 24% of adults meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,” Aspirus said in a release. “However, Aspirus La Vita Fitness Center Supervisor Sydney Renik believes that incorporating physical activity into our daily lives is not only possible, but also essential for our overall well-being.
“Fitness affects all aspects of life,” Renik said. “People who work out are often more social and mentally healthier because they feel better about themselves.”
Renik acknowledges the challenges individuals face and offers practical advice to overcome them.
Duration of physical activity: Renik encourages rethinking the traditional approach of long workout sessions and highlights that even a few minutes of activity scattered throughout the day can make a significant difference.
“For people of all abilities, we can fit things in throughout the day; even if it’s just a couple of minutes here and there, that’s still really good,” Renik said, emphasizing the value of consistency over duration.
Physical limitations: Instead of focusing on limitations, Renik advises finding movements that can be done. For instance, for those confined to a seated position, she suggests exercises that promote strength and flexibility and can be performed from a chair.
Lack of accountability: One of the key obstacles to maintaining a fitness routine is accountability. Renik recommends finding a workout partner or working with a trainer to stay motivated and on track.
“Knowing that someone else’s time is at stake, too, not just your own, makes a big difference in showing up,” she said.
Social comparison: Everyone has varying fitness levels and starts from a different place, Aspirus noted.
“Wherever you’re starting is okay,” Renik said. “Getting where you need to go may take longer or go quicker than somebody else, but everybody’s fitness journey is different. You just have to get started and you’ll be well on your way.”
Aspirus said Renik’s insights underscore the significance of regular exercise in a healthy lifestyle.
“Despite the challenges, making fitness a priority is a rewarding practice that positively impacts overall health,” Aspirus said.
“Not every workout is going to be a good one,” Renik said. “It’s important to have a positive mindset and remember that not every day is a good day, but that’s part of the journey.”

The poll of 2,000 adults reveals what goals people prioritize when it comes to their fitness. Above all, they’re aiming to lose a certain amount of weight (43%), increase their general strength (43%) and increase their general mobility (35%).

However, 48 percent are worried about potentially losing the motivation to get fit and 65 percent believe the motivation to increase their level of physical fitness wanes over time.

According to respondents, the motivation to keep going lasts for about four weeks before needing a new push.

The survey, commissioned by Optimum Nutrition and conducted by TalkerResearch, finds that a majority of Americans’ diet affects their level of fitness motivation (89%). 

Nearly three in 10 (29%) believe they don’t get enough protein in their diet, lacking it either “all the time” (19%) or often (40%). 

Gen X respondents feel like they are lacking protein the most out of all generations (35%), compared to millennials (34%), Gen Z (27%) and baby boomers (21%). Plus, over three in five (35%) women don’t think they get enough protein vs. 23 percent of men. 

The average person has two meals per day that don’t include protein, but 61 percent would be more likely to increase their protein intake to help achieve their fitness goals.

As people reflect on health and wellness goals, the most common experiences that make people feel out of shape include running out of breath often (49%) and trying on clothing that no longer fits (46%). 

Over a quarter (29%) say they realized they were out of shape after not being able to walk up a flight of stairs without feeling winded. 

Overall, half are optimistic about their fitness futures, believing that their best physical days are still ahead of them.

“Of course, it takes time to see a physical difference in ourselves,” says Optimum Nutrition Brand Director Jim Hogan, in a statement. “But when you first start a new fitness routine, that moment of realization is powerful — it’s an encouragement that what you’re doing is working and the goals you have for yourself are achievable. That’s the sort of motivation people need to keep their fitness habits up.”