Final answer:
Half of the people who start an exercise program drop out within six months due to mental barriers like lack of motivation, practical challenges, and an incorrect approach to exercise. Engaging in enjoyable activities, setting realistic goals, and combining diet with physical activity can improve adherence to exercise routines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The high dropout rate in exercise programs within the first six months can be attributed to several factors, including mental barriers, practical concerns, and incorrect approaches to physical activity. Mental barriers such as lack of motivation, feeling too busy or too tired, and a sense of discouragement when results are not immediately visible can lead to the discontinuation of an exercise regimen.
Practical issues such as busy schedules and inclement weather also pose challenges. Moreover, people sometimes adopt an all-or-nothing mindset or fail to schedule their workouts properly, not allowing for proper rest, which can lead to overexertion injuries and exhaustion.
To combat these issues, it is helpful to find an activity that one truly enjoys, set realistic exercise goals, avoid making excuses, make oneself accountable by involving friends and family, and be kind and rewarding to oneself for small achievements.
Moreover, aligning dietary changes with physical activity is essential for effective and lasting weight loss, as illustrated by members of the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) who successfully combine a low-calorie diet with high levels of physical activity.