BLOG 71 EXCUSES

BLOG 71 EXCUSES

Working out regularly and sticking to it is much easier said than done for some folks on their fitness journeys. Even with the best of intentions, exercise does take commitment, time, effort, and persistence. The vicious cycle of starting and stopping is not uncommon in the fitness industry. So why do people stop working out?? The excuses and reasons are endless, but let’s take a look at the most common ones. 

To begin, time is probably the number one excuse. Daily life pulls us in different directions. For most, the majority of the day is taken up by work. Then family and relationships are calling before and after these hours. Being busy can cause stress and exercise doesn’t receive the priority originally intended. We can change this.  In reality, exercise doesn’t have to be a designated one of two hour slot of the day: “When you ‘don’t have time,’ the best strategy is to build shorter but more frequent periods of physical activity into your day—10 minutes two to three times a day” (http://www.secondscount.org/heart-resources/heart-resources-detail?cid=e6d0293d-311f-49d0-bd78-d4e745e4d6c4#.V4LzKDWwmFp). Simply walking wherever and whenever burns more calories through the day, and those stairs are always our friend. Forget the escalator or elevator. When spending time with your kids and significant other try to incorporate walking and talking instead of coming home, sitting down, and then turning the T.V. on. And when the cleaning calls around the house, get into it!!!! Add more steps by separating tasks. Take a few trips up the stairs with the laundry instead of trying to carry it all at once. It’s called “taskersising”. 

Not everyone likes the same style of exercise. But no matter the choice, for some being self-conscious or feeling so out of shape, can make that intial start seems impossible. Starting up again after stopping can feel intimidating or shameful. When you see the same faces daily, suddenly stop going and let yourself go, coming back takes admitting to yourself and others that you did fall off. Injuries and other circumstances of course justify some, but for most it’s just that cycle of stopping and starting that has gone on for years for them. Remember, those folks you see daily, your personal trainer like me, and the gym staff just want to see your face and smile. Don’t be ashamed and ask for help to keep you accountable this time. Your trainer and gym buddies are on your side and cheering you on. And hey, everyone has to start somewhere so being extremely out of shape to begin isn’t as uncommon as you want to believe about yourself. The first two weeks are hard and sore, the next two weeks the habits are forming and a routine is forming, then the journey begins to take place. 

Getting bored is an excuse as well. Of course doing the same routine over and over leads to this. Plus, results require variety. If every time a client came to my studio and knew precisely what we were about to do, eventually the novelty wears off. It’s a drag. You don’t have to take the same walking path every afternoon, press the timer on the elliptical for 35 minutes and just ride, or always lift upper body on Mondays for example. And hey, if you don’t like to ride the bike, then don’t do it. Find what you enjoy and keep trying until something sticks. 

Some folks stop because they don’t see the changes. All your efforts feel hopeless. Keep in mind, “Unfortunately, that's true for everyone. You don't put weight on overnight and it won't come off that quickly either. Once you start exercising, give your body time to react. It could take up to 12 weeks before you start seeing major changes, so make sure you've set realistic fitness goals and focus on the many benefits of exercise. It also helps to understand how weight loss really works” (https://www.verywell.com/top-reasons-you-dont-exercise-1229759). Internal changes are happening as well. 

Exercise pain isn’t for everyone. The “burn” is uncomfortable. Getting sweaty just isn’t your style. You don’t want a membership. You have no idea what you are doing. On and on and on….

So this is why our fitness journey is a roller coaster. The warning label says “Results may vary”. But most at my studio, the side effects say “Will make you strong, fit, and more energized”. We truly do have to be stronger than our excuses. Stop saying this time I’m going to do it. Rather, don’t stop and keep going. Beat the cycle. And always know that I am here to keep you accountable, ensure a positive experience, and help you form a lasting relationship with exercise once and for all.