Exercise is one of those things everyone knows they need to do, but for whatever reason, or a multitude of reasons, they don’t. Many people make commitments or plan to start working out to improve their health, but fall short with very little effort in the first place. Though life can sometimes get in the way, many times you get in your own way. With a few lifestyle changes and thought adjustments, you can make exercise a part of your regular routine for staying healthy and fit.
Common Excuses People Give to Avoid Working Out
Think your excuse is a valid one? So does everyone else. Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons people give for not working out and what you can do to fix it.
They Don’t Want to be Seen
Lots of people avoid exercising because they have serious body image or self-esteem issues. They fear going to the gym and having people stare at their imperfections. Someone who is obese, for instance, isn’t going to want to join a gym class for fear that the thinner and more attractive people will stare at them.
It’s important to work on your self-esteem and to be quite honest, working out does just that. It will not only help you to improve those imperfections you’re trying to hide, but it will help ward off depression and build your confidence. If you’re shy about working out in large groups, go during slow times or workout at home.
They Sweat Too Much
Though sweating it out at the gym is what essentially helps you shed those pounds, too much shedding can be embarrassing. From yellow Pit Stains and wet workout gear to sweat left on exercise equipment, not to mention body odor, those who sweat profusely wish to steer clear of the gym.
It can be horrible if you sweat a lot, however, just chalk it up to a good workout. You can also take precautions like switching to an antiperspirant instead of a deodorant, bringing spare clothing, and having scented soaps and perfume around to clean up after you’re finished.
Not Enough Time in the Day
Everyone has a shortage of time. From the stay at home mother who’s always tending to the kids and house to the entrepreneurs who are working 16 hour days to get their business off the ground, time is hard to find. That being said, when it comes to matters of health and fitness you have to make time.
It is only recommended that you spend 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week working out. If that means getting up earlier in the morning, going for walks on your lunch break instead of going out to eat, or moving some things around, it’s worth the adjustment.
It’s Too Hard
All too often people are turned off by the idea of working out simply because they feel it’s too hard. It takes them outside of their comfort zone and makes them push to the limit to get results. Many people don’t have that “no pain, no gain” mentality and will quit if the going gets rough.
If you’re struggling with working out, perhaps you’re making mistakes you’re unaware of that is making it more difficult. You can also look beyond the traditional types of exercise. If you don’t like the idea of doing 50 crunches, 25 pushups, and 15 sit-ups because of the pain it causes your back and neck, you can try something else like dancing, kickboxing, or Zumba. They are fun and don’t even feel much like exercise.
They Don’t See Results
A lot of people give up on exercise and healthy living because they don’t see the results they were hoping for. Some become discouraged and quit.
A few things to remember here, the first is that in order to see results you must eat right and workout. Second, everyone’s body is different and various exercises have different turnaround times. Lastly, it can take awhile before you actually realize your changing – but you are.
So you see, many of the excuses you tell yourself to avoid having to workout aren’t really excuses. If you take the time to make a few minor adjustments in your life or change your thought process, you’ll start to feel more encouraged and see positive results.