We’ve all been there. The car won’t start, the alarm didn’t go off, it’s too cold, it’s too hot, I am too busy, I have kids… the list goes on and on. It is time to take control of the never-ending excuses and squash them before they become a reality. When you are overly busy and stressed in more ways than one, fitting in a fitness regime can be a struggle but it can be done! Don’t let the everyday excuses keep you back from getting into a healthy fitness regime.
I Do Not Have Time
The counter: Okay, how much television are you watching at night? How much time do you spend on Facebook? By simply prioritizing your time (I mean really picking your days apart by the minute) you will be surprised to how much free time you may actually have. Many people say they need time to just rest from all of the action in their day, but many studies have been done about the health benefits involved with getting a sweat going to reduce stress. Waking up early and getting a sweat going before your day even begins is a great way to start your day off the right way. Whether you work out at home (if you have small children and can’t get away to the gym) or you take off to the gym before your workday starts, will have you feeling more energized throughout your whole day.
I Can’t Get Free Time Away from The Kids
The counter: Kids are very active, and they can be taken with you to workouts (there is a kid’s area at most gyms). If they are older, and you can’t use the kid’s area, try and get a workout in during their physical activities. For example, if they participate in recreational activities walk around the field during practice, or do a short body weight workout nearby. Better yet, do physical activities with your kids and you will not only strengthen your relationship with them but also get a workout done in the process. Bike rides, mini soccer games, tennis, and basketball are a few great examples.
I Have Tried and Failed Before
The counter: It is never too late to try again, and no one will judge you poorly for it. Even if you only try and exercise 10 minutes a day, it is going to be better than nothing. There are a multitude of fitness apps that you can download which will prompt you into a workout even if it is a quick workout. Aside from the apps, it may be good to find a fitness buddy to help motivate you, and together you can keep each other accountable. No matter how many times you fail, do not give up and keep on pressing forward!
Gyms are too expensive
The counter: There are plenty of apps as mentioned before, and outdoor exercises you can do which will eliminate gym costs all together. Many people that are in good shape never set foot in a gym because they are running outside, working out at home, and playing with their kids on soccer fields and basketball courts. You need to remember; you do not need to have a gym membership to get into good shape. Practically everywhere you look, there is a way to get exercise from unconventional items. For example: A park bench can be used for “box jumps” or a kid’s monkey bar set could be used as a vessel for pull-ups. While these are just silly examples, there are a number of things just like this you can use that won’t cost you a penny.
I Am Too Tired
The counter: Who isn’t tired nowadays? Everyone is jumping from here to there without a second to breathe. There have been multiple studies done regarding exercise actually giving you more energy throughout the day, rather than draining your energy. This is a known fact, therefore the excuse is rather invalid and has no legs to stand on. That is unless you are jet lagged, or have just had a baby and are sleep deprived.
Whether any of the excuses resonate with you or not, it is important to be cognizant of the words that can trip you up on your path to success. Find a friend to keep you accountable, but still listen to your body in the meantime to ensure you are not overdoing it. Next time you feel an excuse coming on, try to squash it with a positive thought!
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