How many of you have used these excuses before to avoid working out?
I just don’t have the time with my busy schedule…
I can’t afford a gym membership right now…
I’m way too tired to workout today or even think about heading to the gym…
I honestly just don’t feel comfortable going to the gym or being around fitness fanatics…
I’m not where I want to be weight wise to even get started or head to the gym…
I honestly just don’t like to workout, I get bored easily, and I don't know what I'm doing...
Girrrrlllllllll I ‘ve been there and completely understand. Life is busy, things happen, there are other obligations that are more important than working out, but THINK ABOUT THIS…
Time is relative. We manage time in accordance to our prioirities. If you're continuously making these excuses, do you think your priorities are in the right place? If these barriers are blocking your success to a healthy and happy body than you're probably NOT prioritizing your health, but focusing on other things in your life.
Excuses are just that excuses. They are mental blocks. Resistance that's holding you back. It's finding ways to push through those road blocks, so you can be successful with your weight loss, your confidence, and living an active lifestyle.
What matters to you? Don’t overcomplicate, just DO!
Here are the top 5 barriers that I’ve either experienced or have heard on a day to day basis. I'll show you some ways to deal with those pesky excuses so you can start working towards your goals!
1.) I DON”T HAVE TIME TO WORKOUT
What?? No time?? There’s always time to get a quick workout in. It comes down to perception. Prioritizing what's important to you and using time management skills to scheulde your workouts in.
*Schedule your workouts in like you would your doctors appointment. When you have it scheduled, it’s harder to break the commitment to yourself!
*Don’t forget your gym bag! Pack it the night before and bring it with you to work, so you are ready to go. You don’t even have to think about it, you just DO it! I’ve even slept multiple times in my workout clothes, so I can just get up and go! I feel like the more you think about it, the more time there is for excuses and “other things” to get in the way.
*Keep a journal of your daily activities for a week. You’ll see how much extra time you actually have!
*It’s the little things! Working out and being active doesn’t just have to mean going to the gym. Start simple! Park farther away from stores or work, take the stairs instead of the elevator, revamp your rituals with your family. If you usually stay in and watch a movie or play board games, go rock-climbing, for a bike ride, or head to the bowling alley.
*Try breaking your exercise into 2, 15-minute sessions or even 3, 10-minute blocks! You don’t just have to do a full 30 minutes all at the same time. You are still getting in the same amount of time, even when you break it up!
2.) I CAN’T AFFORD A GYM MEMBERSHIP
Being active doesn’t just mean heading to the gym on a daily basis, there are so many ways that you can exercise and stay in shape! Get this, many people who have a gym membership don’t even use it, so it isn't necessary to effectively workout!
* Try workout videos at home, buy a few simple pieces of equipment(dumbbells, resistance bands, etc), head outside, head to a class! Groupon has great deals for trying out different classes or gyms. Look into Facebook groups or clubs that do different activities to stay active around your area. Be open to other options!
3.) I’M TOO TIRED TO GO WORKOUT
Working out actually helps increase your energy. When you start sweating, your body starts releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and natural endorphins that help you feel better!
*If you are more of a morning person, try working out in the morning if possible. It boosts your energy for the remainder of the day!
*Never go home right after work. Head directly to the gym, class, or park if your wanting to get that workout in. It’s pretty easy to get distracted when you get home, so stay focused and be prepared.
*Make lunch time count and head for a walk.
*Get a gym buddy! Having someone to workout out with you holds you accountable. It’s harder to bail on someone, when you have a workout time already planned.
*Give yourself active rest days and time off from exercising! You don’t need to go balls to the walls when you are living a consistent active lifestyle. Listen to your body and take off exercising when you need to. Too sore from that killer workout the day before, take a break for the day, and get back on it tomorrow.
*Differentiate between a tired mind and tired body. Just because your mind is exhausted from that day at work, doesn't mean your body is just as tired. Your mind might be completely fried, but your body is rearing to get that workout in. you’ll feel so much better once you do so!
4.) "I’M NOT ATHLETIC ENOUGH. I'M SELF-CONSCIOUS. I’M TOO OVERWEIGHT. I'M NOT COORDINATED ENOUGH. I'M TOO OLD"
I know you may feel a little intimidated when you first start working out, especially when you have these thoughts bouncing around in your head. Just remember that all of these thoughts are just limiting beliefs.
The biggest piece of advice is JUST TO START. Start simple and small until you get the hang of beginning a new lifestyle. It will not be easy at times, but remember that if you prioritize your health, there will be no limiting beliefs that hold you back!
*Give your body a chance to get use to the increased activity.
*You don’t have to be around a crowd to starting working out. Focus on the future and praise yourself for making the commitment and killing mini and weekly goals.
5.) I JUST DON’T FEEL LIKE IT, I GET TOO BORED
Changing habits isn’t easy, but once you start and begin to feel the benefits you’ll start feeling better and be more willing to stick to the process. Identity those physical and mental barriers that are really keeping you from getting it in!
*Make reasonable goals and don’t overreach. It’s easy to set too big of goals when getting started that are completely unreasonable. So, start small and work your way up to the bigger picture. Avoid the all-or-nothing approach!
*Find a fitness lifestyle that is fun, you can stick to, and keeps you going. There isn’t just one way to stay active and exercise. There are a ton of ideas that YOU CAN fit into your life, just start trying different options out!
Do you continuously use any of these barriers to avoid living an active lifestyle?
I can relate and understand these very well! It happens.
Always focus on the benefits of working out and staying healthy. Focus on how you’ll feel and look. When you connect emotions to your goals, it's easier to stick to them.
Think about the benefits of staying active, which include, controlling your weight, preventing health issues, boosting your mood, strengthening your bones and muscles, and even improving your sex life!
Figure out WHY you really need to workout. Look deep within you, so you find something that will keep you going when it gets tough!
Until next time!!
Get that workout in girl!!
xoxo Krista
