5 EXCUSES NOT TO EXERCISE AND HOW TO NIP THEM IN THE BUD!

Do you know anyone who makes excuses for why they can’t exercise? Maybe you have been making excuses…

According to research published in 2009 by the department of health, 61 % of the Irish population is overweight or obese. The ratio is 29% obese to 32% overweight.

That’s a whole lot of people making excuses!

Excuses rarely have anything to do with the reality of things, and often have a lot to do with a ridiculous rationalization for why one should stay fat and unhealthy.

You know that constantly making excuses won’t get you anywhere you want to go. In fact it can be a cause for more than just a weight issue, but also for unhappiness, and even depression.

It is time to ditch the cop-out attitude and find the real reason keeping you from doing the things that make your life better.

Here are some of the excuses I hear most when it comes to exercise. Some may sound familiar to you, or maybe you’ve even used some of them yourself:

1. I DON'T HAVE THE TIME

People will always find time to do something they enjoy doing: watch their favourite TV program, get their hair done, read a magazine… Saying they don’t have time to exercise is just an excuse to get out of doing something people think they won’t enjoy.

One of the reasons people say this is because they are focusing on the wrong thing. I don’t necessarily enjoy the pain of a tough exercise session. But I always feel great after a workout. Every single time. And this is exactly what I choose to focus on.

Now, I’m not saying that you are not a busy person. We all are. But everyone can find 30-40 minutes somewhere in the day, to exercise. Some of the toughest exercise programs I’ve done took just 15 minutes!

If you want to get it done, exercise needs to be prioritized and scheduled into your daily routine.

2. THERE IS NO GYM CLOSE TO MY HOUSE

You can get in great shape without ever stepping foot into a gym. In fact, some of the best workouts I’ve ever had only required some workout gear and a pair of trainers.

Not sure what to do? You can join an outdoor fitness camp, or get a personalised fitness program by a reliable trainer that you can follow in the comfort of your home. No gym? No excuse!

3. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO EXERCISE

If you really have no idea where to start then hire a personal trainer, or join a fitness camp where you’ll be able to work out at your own level. Some personal trainers prescribe programs you can follow at home.

If you have been exercising but you haven’t been getting the results you wanted, then you may need a tougher or different type of program. You can get a certain fitness level and certain health benefits by walking or running, but if what you want is to sculpt your body to look a certain way, then you need a more personalised program consisting of weight bearing exercises.

4. I HAVE NO ENERGY

Of course if you sit around all day doing nothing you will feel lethargic and lazy. It’s a fact that motion creates energy. The more active you are the more energy you will have. Exercise has been shown to increase energy levels and leave people feeling better about themselves and more revitalized. Get up off the couch and get moving, preferably outdoors.

Avoid getting caught up in your feelings. It doesn’t really matter how you feel now, it’s about how good you feel after you’ve worked out!

5. I HAVE NO ONE TO WORK OUT WITH

Having a training partner can be a good thing, as long as you are both equally motivated and share some of your goals.

However, what would happen if your workout partner is not as motivated as you, or if they start skipping workouts and you’re left to work out on your own, will you still do it? If you absolutely cannot work out alone … hire a trainer, participate in an exercise class, or join a fitness camp.
The other day a client who told me she wants to exercise, but once she gets home after work she sits on the couch, gets comfy and finds it hard to motivate herself. Then, she feels bad for not having trained, and punishes herself by eating a bar of chocolate.

“Hold on” I said “I thought chocolate was supposed to be your treat for the week. If you want to punish yourself, eat a head of broccoli, not a bar of chocolate!”

She burst out laughing.

“You are right” she said “thinking of punishing myself by eating a head of broccoli kindda motivates me to get that session done now!

As you can see, you have options. Don’t let silly excuses get the better of you and keep you from reaching your goals.

Instead, keep focusing on the benefits you will get, the way you want to look and feel, and find out your motivation strategy; that fire inside your belly that propels you to want to do more and do better.