If you’re like many people, the journey toward fitness and healthy weight management can feel overwhelming. Even when motivation is high, obstacles seem to appear from every direction—health issues, lack of time, low energy, self-doubt, or even fear of failure. And for those who have been exercising for years, new barriers still arise. Fitness isn’t a straight line; it’s a lifelong process of adapting, learning, and pushing forward.
So how do we put all of these challenges into perspective?
According to Tom Turner, executive liaison for the Spina Bifida Association, perspective is everything. Tom knows firsthand what it means to face obstacles. Paralyzed from the waist down since birth, he is now 35 years old and trains about three times a week. For him, exercise isn’t optional—it’s essential to his physical health, mental strength, and overall quality of life.
In fact, Tom says he simply couldn’t imagine life without movement.
In my search for insight on overcoming fitness barriers, Tom and I sat down together and identified three core principles that can help break through fear, intimidation, and self-imposed limitations. If someone facing lifelong physical challenges can commit to consistent exercise, surely that alone can inspire anyone to give it a real shot.
Principle #1: Move Into the Fear
“Train your mind to believe that no mountain is too high and no goal is too difficult to attain,” Tom explains.
This first principle is about confronting fear rather than avoiding it. Fear thrives in avoidance, but it loses power when we meet it head-on. Whether it’s fear of getting injured again, fear of judgment at the gym, or fear that you’ve let yourself go too far to recover—acknowledging fear is the first step toward overcoming it.
Ask yourself:
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What am I truly afraid of?
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Am I afraid of failing—or afraid of trying?
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Do I distrust my body because of past experiences?
Visualization can be a powerful tool here. Picture yourself as you want to be—stronger, healthier, more confident. Remember that your body is not your enemy. It is resilient, adaptable, and capable of healing when given patience and care. Your job is to listen, trust, and move forward one step at a time.
Question to reflect on: What is your body trying to tell you right now?
Principle #2: Trust Your Intuition
When overcoming fitness obstacles, it’s crucial to learn how to listen to your body’s inner voice. Many of us look outward for permission—seeking reassurance from trainers, doctors, friends, or fitness trends. While guidance is valuable, your deepest truth always comes from within.
Tom explains that before pushing limits, he first had to understand his boundaries.
“I wasn’t about to let the wheelchair define me,” he says. “But I also had to respect what my body could and couldn’t do.”
We all have boundaries, regardless of physical ability. The key is knowing them. Once you understand your limits, you can safely test and expand them. Tom focuses on small, achievable goals—more repetitions, improved endurance, or better consistency.
“With small steps,” he says, “it’s amazing how quickly you can reach a big goal.”
Trust your instincts. When something feels wrong, adjust. When something feels right, lean into it. Intuition isn’t weakness—it’s intelligence shaped by experience.
Principle #3: Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
I wanted to know how Tom dealt with fear on a deeper level—especially after undergoing 19 surgeries in his lifetime.
“I’ve come to terms with fear,” he told me. “It really comes down to the most primal fear we all have: fear of death.”
Once he accepted that uncertainty is part of life, he felt free to choose how to live rather than live in fear. Instead of being paralyzed by what might happen, he focused on what he could control—his attitude and his effort.
This brings to mind the words of poet Dylan Thomas: “Do not go gentle into that good night.” Fear keeps many people from fully living. A positive mindset, Tom reminds me, is everything.
“Life is all about attitude,” he says. “I could let fear beat me down, but I don’t. I wouldn’t want to miss being part of tomorrow.”
So ask yourself—what fears are standing in your way today?
Life Beyond the Boundaries
Once you’ve faced your fears and pushed past your perceived limits, what comes next?
Tom smiles. “You find a new mountain to climb.”
He acknowledges that there will always be challenges and days when rest is necessary. But even during downtime, he uses those moments to reflect, reset goals, and decide what’s next.
Author’s Note:
In my personal journey to live beyond boundaries, Tom is my role model—and lucky for me, he’s also my brother. We often look to media-created heroes, overlooking the real-life examples around us. Yet there are inspiring people everywhere. Look closely—you’ll find them. Choose someone whose values you admire. Set goals. Climb mountains. Set intention into motion and enjoy the process of becoming healthier, stronger, and more alive.
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