Why fitness resolutions fail

Every January we hear about how the gyms are crowded. As the weeks pass, attendance declines steadily.

We know why. People made New Year's resolutions about losing weight and getting in shape. And their resolve is strong at the beginning.

But it drops off, quickly.

And these poor souls then feel worse about themselves for not sticking with it.

But I don't think it's their fault. I congratulate them for trying, but the task is nearly impossible.

Here's why:

There's only so much unpleasantness one can absorb in a day.

If you have a stressful or tiring job, are overwhelmed by commitments, and/or have poor relationships, you need your precious leisure time to relax and enjoy yourself.

And if that time is spent in exercises you don't want to do, or planning and preparing meals you don't want to eat, you're pouring on even more unpleasantness in your life.  

And for what? The stress that already exists in your life is likely more damaging to your health than being overweight. Doing yet another unpleasant thing in your day won't make you happier.

That's why people stop going to the gym It's intolerable. They need more pleasure in their day, not less.

And those who can stick it out?

I would look at their work and family situations. If they are having a good time, they can probably afford the challenge of diet and exercise.

That's why I think that for a fitness regimen to work, other things in life must be straightened out first. A good emotional state must exist before undergoing new physical challenges. Otherwise, the attempt to get in shape becomes yet another problem, instead of a solution.   

It's not worth it. Deep down, we know it's true. That's why we should stop feeling bad about it. Instead, we should work on improving other life conditions before working on our bodies.