Recent research indicates that many overweight individuals, particularly women, don't work out because of emotional barriers that include self-consciousness, embarrassment and fear of failure.

A 2009 study by researchers at the George Washington University Medical Center found that many overweight people are particularly intimidated by working out in the presence of young people and those who are physically fit. A 2007 study by Temple University researchers found that overweight females were particularly likely to report that they were prevented from exercising by feelings of self-consciousness or fear of failure.

University of Detroit Mercy professor Carla Groh led a 12-week study of African-American women and found that the women were more successful when surrounded by others of similar size and with a similar desire to lose weight. For the study, Groh put a group of African-American women through 12 weeks of exercise, nutrition and group scripture readings.

Groh commented on the results: "They're all in the same boat, and it's really powerful. For the more overweight or obese, it seems it is more helpful for them to find a group of like-minded and like-shaped people who can really support each other."

(Source: www.azcentral.com)

Labels: emotions, exercise

Posted By: Aspen Education Group