As a personal trainer, I have heard every excuse in the book for reasons why someone can't work out. I've made a short list of the top 5 excuses people use to avoid working out and why they are just that - excuses.
1. Lack of Time
Many people claim that they are too busy to exercise regularly. Balancing work, family, and other commitments can indeed be challenging, but it's important to prioritize physical activity for the sake of overall health and well-being. Finding time for shorter workouts, scheduling exercise sessions in advance, or incorporating physical activity into daily routines can help overcome this excuse. If you wait until you have the time, you never will. It's really as simple as that.
2. Fatigue or Lack of Energy
Feeling tired or lacking energy is a common excuse for skipping workouts. While it's natural to experience fatigue, regular exercise can actually boost energy levels and improve overall vitality. This is a fact. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. If you don't believe me, do your own research. You can start with asking Google "does working out actually give you energy?"
However, if you feel this way (no energy to work out), try starting with low-intensity activities, such as walking or yoga, they can be a great way to gradually increase energy and fitness levels. I also have a few "Lazy Girl Workouts" on my YouTube channel (for free)! Here's one for you to try: LAZY GIRL TABATA.
3. Fear of Discomfort or Pain
The fear of physical discomfort or pain during exercise is another excuse people use to avoid working out. While it's true that exercise can sometimes cause muscle soreness or discomfort, it is typically temporary and a sign of the body adapting and getting stronger. Starting with lighter intensity workouts, proper warm-up and cool-down routines, and seeking guidance from a qualified professional can help address these concerns.
That being said, if you are experiencing discomfort or pain because of an injury (current or previous), you should absolutely consult with a qualified healthcare professional before you start working out. Find a certified, qualified, and experienced personal trainer that can adapt your workout to accommodate your injury, rehab it, and help you get stronger and more confident in your body again.
4. Lack of Motivation
Many people struggle with finding the motivation to work out consistently. It can be difficult to maintain motivation over time, because motivation is the thing that gets you started, but it's not what keeps you going. Especially if you don't enjoy the type of exercise/activity you're doing or if you don't see immediate results. Setting realistic goals, finding activities you actually enjoy, finding workout buddies, and switching up your exercise routine can help combat the lack of motivation and keep workouts interesting and engaging.
If you really want to get into it though - look up self-discipline next. That's what you need more of my friend.
5. Money
I often hear people say they'd love to go to the gym, but they can't afford a membership. They'd love a personal trainer, but it's too expensive. The reason not having money to exercise on a regular basis is an excuse is because there are thousands of FREE workouts available online (including my own - you can click HERE to check them out), walking is free, so is jogging. If you already own a bike, bingo! Cycling is an incredible form of cardiovascular exercise, and it challenges not just your lower body, but core and upper body as well. Also, cycling is low-impact, so it's easy on your joints.
We all know how to do squats and pushups. If you don't like anything I've mentioned above, do those. Walk up and down the stairs. Stop making excuses.
I definitely don't want to make anyone feel bad, but it's the truth. What it comes down to is you just don't really want to workout if you're making excuses not to.
You don't want to do it because it's hard. And naturally, we don't want to do hard things.
It's not a secret, no one will admit it out loud, but we all know that's why.
We just don't want to.
It really is mind over matter though. Have you watched any of my videos on YouTube? I'm sure 80% of them begin with me saying, "Hi, welcome back to another episode of Mel doesn't want to work out today". I definitely don't want to workout every day. Are you kidding me? What do you think I am? Some kind of psycho?
It's true that some days I can't wait to get in their, but most of the time I don't want to.
For example, right now, I should be working out, but I'm procrastinating by writing this blog.
Will I do it though? Yes.
Do I want to? No.
Will I regret it? No.
Will it keep on track with my goals? Yes.
Will it make me stronger? Yes.
Will it make me feel better mentally? Yes.
Will I be proud of myself for doing something hard that I really don't want to do on a hot summers day with 90% humidity? Oh hellllllll yes.
So what I'm saying is, it's important to recognize these excuses and find ways to overcome them. Regular physical activity provides numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, and making exercise a priority is essential for overall well-being. You can do it. Really. I believe in you!