Do you know anyone who makes excuses for why they can't exercise? Excuses rarely have anything to do with the reality, and often have a lot to do with a ridiculous rationalization for why you should stay inactive and unhealthy.
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. So it's time to ditch the cop-out attitude and find the real reason you aren't making your life better.
Here are some of the excuses I hear most when it comes to exercise. Some may sound familiar to you and you may have used some of them yourself:
1. I DON'T HAVE THE TIME
People will always find time to do what they enjoy. Saying you don't have time to exercise is just an excuse to get out of something you don't think you'll 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.
I'm not saying that you are not a busy person. We all are, but everyone can find 30 to 40 minutes a day to exercise. Some of the toughest exercise programs I've done took just 15 minutes.
If you want to get it done, prioritize and schedule exercise 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 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 personalized fitness program from 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 personalized program with weight-bearing exercises.
4. I HAVE NO ENERGY
If you sit around all day doing nothing, it's no surprise 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, leave people feeling better 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? If 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 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 kinda motivates me to get that session done now."
As you can see, you have options. Don't let silly excuses get the best of you and keep you from reaching your goals.
Instead, focus on the benefits you will get, the way you want to look and feel, and find out your motivation strategy. Get that fire inside your belly that propels you to want to do more and do better.
Anna Aparicio is a IINLP/Hypnosis Accredited Mind Coach, Speaker and Educator based in Dublin, Ireland. She uses cutting edge Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnosis and psychology tools to develop profound transformation in your life, fast.
