You’ve finally decided to live a healthy and active life and that is great! But what is keeping you from working out? Whether there is not enough time, not enough energy or you simply don’t feel like it, these excuses will keep you from reaching your potential and truly living a healthy life.
We are going to cover the most often heard excuses and give you the solution for each of them, so that none of them becomes an issue in your health journey.
#1. I don’t have time to go to the gym.
Everybody has days when they can’t make it to the gym, whether it’s because of the bad weather, a sick kid, or a very busy schedule. Going to the gym is definitely not a requirement of exercising. When you have such days, try to find small pieces of time throughout the day where you can incorporate exercise activities. Here are some examples: consider taking a walk during your lunch break, take the stairs instead of the elevator, keep a set of hand weights at your desk and do a few exercises while sitting. Just keep in mind that every positive change counts and you might be surprised at how much activity you can squeeze in when you make the effort
#2. I am not sure where to start.
That is not so complicated. First, decide what the reason for working out is: being healthy, getting fit, getting strong, building muscles and so on. After deciding on why, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Everybody is a beginner at some point. The people around you are your greatest asset. Here’s a little thing you should know – the details don’t really matter in the beginning. You’ll have plenty of time to figure out technique, rest periods, volume, training schedules, and all the other stuff. The only thing that matters is getting started, understanding the main idea, and sticking to the schedule. The details will begin to fall into place.
#3. I’m too tired.
Working out will give you more energy! During your workouts, your body produces endorphins (aka feel-good hormones) and this gets the blood circulation going. It’s especially beneficial working out in the morning so you get as much energy in your body as you can, to face the day ahead.
#4. I have kids and no time to exercise.
Sticking with an exercise routine can be a struggle for anyone. But for moms – who can’t even go to the bathroom without being interrupted – squeezing in a workout can really feel impossible. Like we said earlier: going to the gym is not a requirement of exercising. Embrace working out with your kids! They will have the chance to see what a dedicated and strong women their mom is. Plus, working out together can be a really fun bonding time, as kids instinctively love to move.
#5. Working out is boring.
Find a type of exercising that you’ll love. Try different things such as tennis, dancing, skating, running on a treadmill while reading or watching TV, there are numerous choices. There is a way of exercising for everyone, you just have to find the thing that makes it pleasant for you. Just make sure the thing you stick with is challenging enough!
#6. I don’t like the gym setting.
Look for another gym, or pick your favorite workout moves and do them in the comfort of your own house. It’s not really the place where you exercise, but more about the exercises you are doing.
#7. I don’t see any results.
You didn’t gain all your weight in a day, and you certainly won’t lose it in a day. Give it time like you give everything else that you know takes time.
#8. I can’t afford a gym membership or equipment
Push-ups, lunges, crunches, aerobics and many more can be done in the privacy of your own home and without costing any money at all. Another good idea is to borrow some fitness DVDs from your local library so that you don’t get bored with your routine.
#9. I am embarrassed with the way I look
It’s tough to go to the gym if you don’t feel good about your appearance. Sometimes, a well-fitting pair of pants and a new T-shirt go a long way towards making you feel better about your body. If you are thinking that you’re going to be the biggest person in the exercise class, sign up for a class specifically designed for overweight individuals or a beginner’s class where there will be others just starting out too. Keep in mind that everyone at the gym has the same goal in mind and everyone started somewhere. People don’t go to the gym to judge, but to feel and be better. Even though you may feel self-conscious, the chances are that no one is really paying attention to you.
I hope you aren’t planning on using any of these excuses from now on! By making excuses to avoid working out, you not are actually doing yourself any favors. Stop telling yourself that your physical and mental health is not important and start making the chance that will make your life easier and better.