Top 5 Excuses for Not Exercising: Solved!
I don’t have time.
Do you want to live longer, healthier and happier? Make time. You have time.
Change your daily routine and get up 30-60 minutes earlier to get your workout done. Instead of watching TV, trolling Facebook, texting, or sitting on the couch - move for 30 minutes. Walk around or do jumping jacks during that show you are watching or during the commercials. Run up and down your stairs, do some push-ups, grab the kitchen chair and do some tricep dips.
If you do not have a routine - make one. Fitness is not a choice - it’s a way of life. Technically, you should engage in 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week which is around 20-30 minutes a day. Start prioritizing - make it a habit - realize that a healthier you is better for everyone.
I’m too out of shape.
First of all - this is a terrible attitude and we all have to start somewhere. There is a reason you are out of shape - let’s fix it! Start at a pace acceptable for your body (you are not going to go out and run a marathon or push giant tires around, come on now) and work your way up.
Exercise is going to GET you into shape and keep you there. You will realize that negative attitude and excuse you started with was obsolete and you can conquer the goals you set.
Everyone else in the gym probably started out like you did - worried what other people were thinking and self conscious in a gym. Therefore, stop - they are going to think you are awesome for getting your butt to the gym and getting your healthy-on.
I don’t like it/it is boring/I don’t know what to do.
You are doing it wrong. Exercise should be exciting and you should look forward to it. If you dread it or think it is terrible you need to find something new.
Try a small group or class at a gym. The instructors are full of energy, showing and telling you what to do, and several people around you (future friends, might I add) are fumbling around having fun and sweating their butts off with you. You could walk with a friend or a group of friends. You can gossip and exercise - trust me.
More of a ‘to-yourself-person’? Get some rocking jams, hit the gym, plug in your headphones, use the cardio machine you actually like (such as rowing or take a class) and use the weight machines. There is an exercise that you like - there is for everyone. Have you tried indoor rock climbing, swimming, boxing, jumping on trampolines, or a sport like tennis or soccer?
Hire a personal trainer! We are there to educate and help you reach your goals. Investing in a healthier life is one of the best choices you could make for you and your family. We listen to what you need, help you set SMART goals, and educate you on what to do (and stay happy doing it).
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. :)
I have a baby/kids.
First of all - you are awesome. Having a kid - or (gulp) more than one - is a feat in itself and requires you to be in shape to juggle chasing them around, putting them in and out of the car, carrying them, pushing them in carts, etc, etc.
How is this an excuse and not a reason TO workout? Kids are like super beings with extreme doses of energy. They are always moving. Take a lesson from them and go play with them outside (tag, soccer, sports, run around the park, etc) or, do what I do, and wake up before they do and get your workout done.
OR take them to the gym with you.
Yes, that’s right. Most gyms have child care nowadays and you should make that one of the top priorities when scoping out a new gym to join. Let’s admit it - who doesn’t need an hour break every couple days?
Being a healthy and fit parent is good for you and your children. Not only are you going to live longer, healthier, happier, and able to chase them down for time out - you are leading by example.
Do you want your kids healthy and to be around to see it for a very long time?
I end up quitting or giving up.
First thing is first - you need to make fitness a way of life. My favorite advice - look at it as a business meeting. You need to be there, you need to be on time, and if they have to be rescheduled then do so that day.
You need to set realistic goals. A goal such as 'I will lose 5 pounds in two months and buy a new fitness outfit’ is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based (S.M.A.R.T.). However,'I will lose 50 pounds in 1-2 months so I can fit into this dress’ is not a SMART goal and you are going to be too hard on yourself and give up when you do not attain it.
It does not take a month or two to put on 100 pounds so do not expect to shed it that quickly. If you need rewards for reaching goals - so be it! I find that holding myself accountable is one of the best strategies. I have workout calendars, I use my Apple Watch to track my workouts, I try new things, and I share my thoughts/feelings with friends!
