Knowledge presents biggest hurdle to those starting fitness regimens

“It is crazy how much nonsense information is out there,” said Hesson. “Diet and fitness are something that is person to person. Just because one diet, one way of training, works for somebody, doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you.”

“The biggest obstacle is the mental aspect of walking through the door,” said Danielle Fehr, owner of Four Horsemen Fitness. “When people first think about fitness, they’re scrolling the internet and they see pre-shaped, pre-minded body types but they don’t see the work it takes to get there.”

Finances are an undeniable barrier to getting active, and the deeper into fitness you get, the more expensive it can become from gym memberships to apparel to supplements. But for those starting out, walking along the rotary trail or doing home exercises that require no equipment at all can be a great way to stay active in spite of tough financial times.

“Doing bodyweight stuff in your home, it could be as simple as doing ten pushups, ten sit-ups, and ten jumping jacks a day,” said Fehr. “People think that it has to be this huge thing, but it doesn’t, it’s just a matter of doing something.”

Both Fehr and Hesson have spent a lot of time talking to schools and even organizing classes, and both agree on the importance of getting kids involved in fitness early. More important than just getting active is showing them what fitness can do for them mentally.

“Implementing the positive mindset into kids, that you don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to score the best in the class to really appreciate what our bodies can do for us,” Hesson said. “It’s cool to see that narrative changing.”

Fehr added that in her experience COVID had actually helped people understand just how important it was to be physically healthy for the sake of their mental health.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP

by Rob Mahon

Knowledge presents biggest hurdle to those starting fitness regimens

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