TOP EXCUSES FOR NOT WORKING OUT
As personal trainers in Philadelphia, we’ve heard some of the worst excuses for people not being able to work out. Excuses are often used to justify failure. The fact is, if you really want to do something, you do it, there are no excuses. So, if you’re serious about getting in shape, you need to stop making excuses now. In this post, we’re going to give you the top excuses for not working out and how you can beat them.
Excuse #1: “I don’t have time to work out.”
How many hours per week do you watch TV? How many hours per week are you on Facebook or Twitter? Many people grossly overestimate how busy they actually are. If you cut out the wasted time on the computer or time on the couch, you’ll find time to exercise. Even something as simple as using your DVR to record a show you frequently watch can give you enough time. By fast forwarding through the commercials, you can save yourself 20 minutes for every hour-long show.
If it truly is work that is causing you to not have time to workout, just remember, your workouts don’t necessarily have to be formal workouts all the time. Just because you don’t have time to head to the gym doesn’t mean you don’t have enough time to exercise. Take a walk during lunch, take the stairs instead of the elevator, ride your bike or walk to work, or even try parking farther away from the office so you have to walk to and from your car. Any one of these tips will get you to stop making the excuse of not having enough time.
Excuse #2: “I’m too tired to work out.”
It may sound counter intuitive, but working out actually gives you more energy. By working out, you release endorphins, hormones that give you a natural high and make you feel good. The more you get used to exerting yourself, the more energy it will give you.
One way to avoid being too exhausted to work out is to try it first thing in the morning. By making exercise the first thing you do, you avoid becoming too exhausted later to work out. This way, your workout will be done before you even start your day.
Excuse #3: “I have bad knees (or a bum shoulder, bad back, etc).”
Any injury should be taken very seriously. However, just because one part of your body is injured, it doesn’t mean you still can’t get a great workout in. Try doing exercises that don’t involve those muscles or joints to avoid stressing it further. In many cases, by not working out those areas, you could be making them worse. We’ve have had several clients who came to us with bad backs who, with some stretching and light strength training, have been able to rid themselves of 100% of their back pain. Either work around it or find a fitness professional who can help you fix it.
Excuse #4: “I never see results and I always end up quitting.”
Set small, attainable goals for yourself. Instead of telling yourself that you need to lose 60 lbs, tell yourself you want to be 5 lbs lighter a month from today. Then, keep setting small goals along the way to your ultimate goal. Remember to keep your goals specific. A goal of “I want to get in shape by summer” does not mean anything. What does “in shape” mean to you? Provide yourself with a weight, measurements, and an exact date.
Another way to see results is to keep yourself more accountable. Studies have shown that those who share their goals with friends and family were more likely to reach them. If friends and family are continuously asking about how your fitness routine is going, you’ll be more likely to stick with it.
The ultimate way to put an end to these excuses is to get professional help from a qualified personal trainer in Philadelphia. Let us help you make time for more efficient workouts, help give you more energy, work around injuries, and of course, give you the results you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to be put on a program that will get you on the fast track to fitness.