Overcoming Fitness Obstacles: Defeating Negativity

Sometimes rough roads turn up even along the best fitness course of action. These challenges can cause you to alter speed and direction, just like real bumps in the road. So let’s see how to maneuver your way around them so that you can continue on your path to success.

Negativity
Negative comments from others can be challenging, especially during initial planning and action stages as well as stagnant times when there seems to be no apparent progress. Understanding why these comments occur can help you pass right on by these bumps in the road.

Generally, negative comments come from a couple of different types or groups of people. One group includes fitness trainers and others who actually work at the gym and fitness centers for regular pay.
These people often have a couple of things on their mind which reflects why they’re being negative with you: (a) they’ve read maybe an issue or two of a fitness magazine and think they know everything, (b) they’ve not been properly trained themselves and do not have reliable information to offer, or (c) they want your money and by steering you away from what you're doing and having you rely on them means more money for them.

The other type of people who espouse negative comments are feeling different emotions because of you and your fitness plans. They often include things like (a) jealousy because they wish they could do what you’re doing but for whatever reasons can't/aren’t, (b) ignorance; i.e. they’ve also read a couple of fitness magazines and think they know everything, especially what’s right for you. And finally, (c) low self-esteem and fear -- i.e. deep down inside they want you to fail so that they can feel superior and / or they do not want to get in there and get fit, too. It’s hard work and few want to bother.

Positivism
Combat the negativity with positivism. Here are a couple of tips:

Start taking and cranking up the volume on your MP3 player.
Tell buzz-killing trainers and other neg-heads, “Thanks for the interest but…” and briefly explain that you're content with your plan and progress.

De-stress by jogging or running. Also try a change of pace and bike outdoors, or work out at home or during a different time at the gym.

Rant on Internet fitness forums. You'll be surprised to find lots of support from others who are combating the same kind of negativity. Then get back to your workout!

Whatever you do, don’t give up and give in to the negativity. Keep your spirits up and take care of yourself. Eventually the people dropping these obstacles on you will turn away and focus on others –- or maybe follow your lead and focus on their own improvement plans. Now that would be a win-win!

Note: One of the best ways to combat negativity and negative workout environments is to find a positive exercise program. Tom Venuto's Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle is one of the best long-term, affirmation-based workout programs we've ever used. -- Editors