YMCA of Middle TN

Do you frequently start a work out routine only to stop? When you are bored or upset, do you snack?  Do you feel embarrassed because you eat too much, too little or munch on "junk food" often over the course of a day?  Have you planned exercise into your schedule and then watched it get crowded out again and again by work or home responsibilities? Do you feel chronically dissatisfied with your weight or overall appearance? 

Unfortunately, many of us can answer yes to one or more of these questions. When this is the case, deeper emotional barriers may be flying under your radar, exerting their influence. Let's look at a familiar scenario.

It's the first of January. Thoughts of dancing sugar plums and choruses of Auld Lang Syne fade, replaced by what? Resolutions! Most of these resolutions revolve around our health.  Fast forward two to three months and where do many of us find ourselves? Disappointed and back where we started.  For me some years it only took two to three weeks! Why does this happen? Why does that feeling of failure linger while success seems to consistently elude us? Let's look at some of the most common barriers.

Support. We all need it but often don't know how to ask for it. Some of us are intimidated or uncomfortable with opening up to a group, partnering with a friend or attending a fitness class for the first time.  Yet, having a workout buddy, a community group or fitness class can greatly increase the potential for sticking with your plan. Without it, we're less likely to stay accountable and motivated.  We give up.

Finances. In our current economy, this is certainly a very present concern and one that bars some from joining a gym, attending a health class or even budgeting for healthier food options at restaurants or the dinner table. Spending money in an intentional way on our health takes a back seat.

Emotional Eating. Who among us has ever done this? Let's all raise our hands. At one time or another, everyone (if we're being honest with ourselves) has eaten for reasons other than genuine physical hunger. For some, however, emotional eating becomes a life-controlling issue that requires support to identify and overcome.

Media. Our lives are saturated with endless images of "perfection." No matter that much of it is airbrushed, enhanced or just plain fabricated. We still compare ourselves and feel we fall far short.  Combine this with the messages we receive about "quick fix" diet supplements or the "latest, greatest" equipment or fitness program and we are set up to be permeated with feelings of failure that sabotage our efforts.

Emotional Wounds. The messages we hear growing up about health and body image, our experiences along our life journey, and especially deep trauma and pain -- all can introduce and/or reinforce negative beliefs we carry inside about ourselves and our abilities. This is one of the most common denominators among Restore group members.

The barriers mentioned above are just some that create obstacles in our effort to lose weight and improve our health. At Restore Ministries, we offer a course called Healthy Steps to Freedom in which we help participants uncover and address these barriers. Restore even provides a sliding scale to assist those in which finances are an inhibiting factor. Through Healthy Steps to Freedom, group members find insight and understanding, accountability and hope. Most importantly, at the end of the course, everyone leaves with a plan of action. Having a plan is the greatest antidote to any barrier. Contact Restore Ministries to find out more about this and other classes offered.  

Article by Alissa D. Anderson, MMFT

Marriage and Family Therapy/Staff Counselor

Restore Ministries of the YMCA