Top Excuses For Not Exercising & How to Beat Them

We ALL have them....but how many of them are actually justifiable??

I've made them for years and it wasn't until about 4 months ago I decided enough was enough.  It's time to STOP making excuses and start making CHANGES.

I'm here today to BUST some of the excuses you (and myself included) make now or have made in the past to justify our reasons for living an unhealthy lifestyle. 

1) I don't have the time to workout

I'm pretty sure this is one of the most used excuses out there.  There are plenty of things one can do to fit exercise into their daily routines.  How much TV do you watch a day?  Workout WHILE watching TV.  Do you get breaks at work?  Maybe there's a gym you can use during lunch.  You can even take small walks during your breaks.  Can you wake up earlier?  Go to bed a little later?  You don't have to commit HOURS a day to exercise.  You can start off small...just MAKE the time 

2) I'm too tired to workout Or I just don't feel like working out.

Two big ones!!  You know what you should do when you're too tired to work out or just don't feel like doing it?  DO IT ANYWAY!  The fact is exercise gives you more energy.  Sure you may feel tired during your exercise but it won't last long.  Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your heart and lungs work more efficiently. And when they work more efficiently, you have more energy.  Also, those who exercise regularly sleep better.  When you sleep better...you have more energy.  See a pattern here? 

So you don't FEEL like it?  Maybe you're feeling depressed.  Maybe you're just in a bad mood.  Perhaps you're  under a lot of stress.  Well guess what folks...exercise decreases stress hormones.  Exercising releases endorphins.   They are basically your body's NATURAL "feel good chemicals".  These hormone like substances can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.  So I ask you...who needs energy drinks?!  Exercise IS the best pick me up!  Just try it.  Wake up a little earlier and work out for 30 minutes.  See how it can improve your day!

 3) My kids get in the way.

Simple fix.  Work around your children's schedules.  Workout while they're sleeping.  You can even workout WITH them.  Take them on walks, go for a bike ride, turn up that music and have a dance party!!  I cant tell you how many times I've worked out with babies climbing all over me.  The point is you're moving!

4) My body aches too much to exercise.

Let me tell you..NOT exercising and carrying around extra weight wont help that.  At about 260 some odd pounds getting out of bed was like a chore.  My back hurt SO much.  However, with exercising regularly and dropping some pounds my back pain has improved tremendously!! If you're having aches and pains and you're worried about hurting yourself more you can start small.  Start a walking program.  You could also ask your doctor about specific stretches for your pain

5) There's no point.  I never stay motivated.

Reach out to others for support, work out with family, join groups.  Studies have shown social support to be correlated with weight loss, according to a 2005 study by Dutch researchers published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Losing weight with the support of others can be fun, provide motivation and help make the process more effective.

Log your activity so you can see how you're progressing. 

Set realistic and attainable goals.  There's nothing more motivating and rewarding than completing a goal you set out to do.  Once you reach it..don't stop there! Set more!

There are people older, busier, heavier, etc...that are taking the steps needed to become a healthier version of themselves.

Just ask yourself...Do you want more energy? Do you want to be happier?  Do you want to be healthier...for yourself and your family?  Do you want to be comfortable in your own skin?  Do you want to be a healthy role model for your children?  

Then there's only one thing you need to do....ditch the excuses.

The choice is yours.