Why are people resistant to exercising?

Here are some factors...

01. Enviormental

Where you lived or currently live can play a large role in your social behaviors and the hobbies you pursue. Studies have shown that neighborhoods that had more accessible opportunities for exercise had a higher number of people engaging in exercise. Neighborhoods with more sidewalks, parks, and biking areas had a more positive association with physical activity and better health behaviors overall (Maddison et al., 2009).

Living in a neighborhood that is not “walkable” and that doesn’t support active lifestyles, can make it difficult to engage in exercise and adapt it more to your daily lifestyle.

02. Psychological

Another element that can cause a lack of interest in exercise is psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Socio-cultural pressures can make exercise seem daunting and overwhelming, causing exercise to be seen as more of a chore and not an engaging activity. In a study found by BMC Medicine regarding mental health and exercise, people with lower fitness levels were twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety (Kandola et al., 2020). As well as other common factors like lack of social support, self-motivation, and generally just associating exercise as something stressful (Mama et al, 2015).

Exercising, especially in public spaces can create a stressful environment for some and deter them from exercising.

03. Lack of Knowledge

What constitutes exercise and exercise behaviors can be broad, with a wide array of access to different forms of the activity. This practice of finding new ways to exercise can be filled with all different types of misinformation like proper form, durations of exercise, or even what equipment to use. This can become overwhelming for those with a lack of experience in the subject. In 2018, 615 young adults were interviewed and tested on their knowledge of exercise and were given levels based on what they know. With levels, one through four, going from understanding the common facts around exercise to knowing the specifics about the subject. The study concluded that around 80% of participants failed to know specific physical activity guidelines and fell around level two (Fredriksson, 2018).