We All Have Excuses We Need To Defeat
To defeat our exercise excuses that sabotage our workouts we need to be able to recognize them. There are 5 main exercise excuses we use that will take us off track and put us into an exercise slump. Don’t let these excuses sabotage your workout and prevent you from reaching your goals. Identify these saboteurs, then fight back and defeat them.
What’s your excuse?
5 Exercise Excuses To Defeat
1. Too Busy – We are all given the same number of hours in the day. It is all about priorities. Did you know that any amount of exercise is beneficial to your body, over all health and longevity. Did you know that don’t even have to do your exercise in one long increment. You can break it up throughout your day, say in 10 minute increments. Run the stairs for 10 minutes on your lunch hour, take a brisk walk for 10 minutes after work, 10 minutes of sit ups and push ups while watching the news. Researchers recommend at least 30 minutes exercise per day to get the best benefits and outcomes. After all, don’t we all have 30 minutes within our day to get some exercise. Watch and see:
2. Too Tired – After a long day at work and a week filled to the brim with things to do, it is easy to feel too tired to exercise. This is probably my number one exercise excuse that I use to blow off my workout. The truth is, when I defeat this excuse and go to my workout I feel more energetic. Furthermore, the more consistently I workout the more energy I feel throughout my day. University of California studies show that even one brisk 10 minute walk can give you 2 hours of extra energy. 10 minutes for 2 hours…I will take it!
3. Unrealistic Expectations – It is easy to get discouraged when you first start a workout and the benefits of the workout can not be seen right away. This phenomenon occurs when we set unrealistic goals. Lets face it, it takes time to see rock hard abs and buns of steel. It took time for you to get, well, flabby. Now, it is going to take time to get back into shape. Set realistic goals for yourself and stick with your workout routine. It takes at least six weeks of regular exercise and sometimes for physiological benefits to reveal themselves. However, during those six weeks of exercise when you can’t see the changes…you are still getting healthier, stronger and more agile without even knowing it. Patience is a virtue, exercise it, stick with it and the benefits will come. Don’t let unrealistic expectations sabotage your workout.
This is an example of an unrealistic expectation in the first 6 weeks. K?
4. Too Stressed Out – The number one way to relieve stress in your life is to exert energy and get exercise. Too stressed out is an excuse that just does not stack up. If you want less stress in your life, get a workout. Multiple studies who exercise lowers your stress level, decreases anxiety, combats depression, and elevates your mood. Exercise gives you the tools you need to cope with what ever is stressing you out.
5. Exercise is Boring – Again, this is an exercise excuse that I work very hard to defeat. With all the exercise options available to us there is no reason to be bored with exercise. The key is finding an exercise you enjoy. Maybe it is fitness hooping, ballroom dancing, or an active video game/exercise video. Whatever you like, do it. Another tip to overcome your exercise boredom is to mix it up. Every six weeks or so, change-up your exercise routine and try something different. Changing up your routine keeps you feeling challenged and combats weight loss plateaus. Add some tunes to make the workout more enjoyable. Grab a friend to workout with. A friend is fun and offers support. A little friendly competition can help too.
Tips To Defeat Your Exercise Excuses
Now that you know what the exercises excuses are maybe you can recognize them in your own life and refuse to give in to them. In summary, here are some tips to defeat your exercise excuses:
- Ask your self: “don’t I have 30 minutes per day to exercise”
- Ask your self: “wouldn’t a pick me up energy booster be nice about now?”
- Start slow, maybe in 10 minute increments, and work your way up to at least 30 minutes per day.
- Give it at least 6-8 weeks before you expect to see results. Remember, patience is a virtue.
- Feeling low, stressed, depressed – there is nothing better to combat those emotions than exercise. Get going and shake it off. You will feel better and so will those around you.
- Change up your exercise routine every 6 weeks or so. Add music, friendship, and choose activity you enjoy.
How do you defeat exercise excuses that sabotage your workout?
I used to have these exercise excuses before, but now I’ve adjusted my lifestyle as I try to become more active now. So far I’m climbing the stairs whenever I head out to exercise – and I feel more motivated.
Awesome James! Thanks for inspiring us to defeat our exercise excuses! You can make a change in your lifestyle taking one step at a time. I so much appreciate your comment and encouragement.
I do make a habit of maintaining my exercise routine but even now once in a while I’m afraid of being the worst one in the class! I know everyone is in their own practice and comparing yourself to others is pointless, but it does creep up once in a while. It doesn’t deter me from going, because I know if I don’t go I WILL be the worst one, lol! Thanks for these great tactics to defeat excuses!
Amy, I am so glad to hear there is another worst one in the class out there. The next time you go to class, just think of me doing the same thing because I am. I have never been much of an athlete and working out does not come easy to me. I, like James above, strive to make lifestyle changes to include exercise in my daily routine. However, I will never be coordinated or graceful. But, I will be out there doing it right next to ya…and I won’t look if you don’t!
Hi Jana. I am a regular reader of your blog post. Your post sounds to be informative for me. Exercise should be performed inorder to stay fit and healthy. Isn’t it? Thanks for highlighting the facts.
Yes, it should be in order to stay fit and healthy. It is so much easier to do if you enjoy your exercise of choice. Furthermore, I think people are overwhelmed with exercise, feeling they need to set aside large blocks of time. However, studies are showing that even small blocks of time are beneficial to cardiovascular and lung systems. I am a proponent of doing something you enjoy for any amount of time you can muster! Thank you so much for following our blog. We enjoy having you and appreciate your comments. Jana