If there’s one thing that never seems to be in short supply, it’s excuses not to exercise. Working out on a regular basis requires hard work and self-discipline. And, if we’re being honest, it’s much easier to bail out on our commitments than to get the job done… am I right, ladies? And don’t get me started on “Tennis is my exercise”… especially when most league players only play once (occasionally 2 times) a week.
Personal trainers understand this trait of human nature all too well. No doubt, this is why they’re also well-versed in the wide range of excuses for skipping out on a class or training session. Below are seven workout excuses that every personal trainer has heard and how they respond to help you push past them.
“I hate working out.”
More often than not, this excuse comes from a bad first experience with exercise. True, you may not like working out, but have you tried enough different types of workouts to know what you really do or don’t like? There are so many types and styles of workouts available for you to try; there has to be at least one or two that you can learn to enjoy.
“I don’t have enough time to work out.”
This one could win the gold medal in the Excuse Olympics. The truth is that you will always make time for the important things; it all boils down to having the right priorities. Take a good, honest look at your schedule, think about what you’re devoting your spare time to, and ask yourself if it’s more important than your physical health. Suppose you consistently make exercise a top priority. In that case, you can be assured that you’ll be healthy enough to do all the other things you want to do.
“I have kids.”
No doubt, having kids places a serious demand on your time. However, with a few clever schedule adjustments, you can still get in a nice workout regularly. Try scheduling your workouts in the morning before the kids wake up, or at night after they go to bed. You can also find workout facilities where kids are welcome. You can also consider exercising with your kids by hiking together, biking together, or going on a family walk around the neighborhood.
“I’m too tired to work out.”
You’re too tired to work out, but not working out is what makes you tired. Unfortunately, this workout inertia can be very difficult to overcome at first, and it will require a significant push to get the ball rolling. The good news is that exercise releases the hormone dopamine, which actually helps to invigorate the body and reduce fatigue. Not only that, but your body also begins to adapt to regular workouts by becoming more efficient at burning fuel. This means that you’ll have more energy even when you’re at rest.
“I’m too old to work out.”
You may not be able to crank out 30 burpees in 1 minute, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do 20-30 minutes of age-appropriate exercises for your physical condition. Exercise is not just for young people. In fact, exercise can actually help older folks boost cardiovascular health, increase bone density, stave off muscle loss and improve flexibility.
“I have back pain.”
While some back pain may be part of a legitimate injury, lower back pain is often a symptom of not getting enough activity. Try low-impact exercises like swimming, stationary cycling, walking, or using an elliptical a few times a week for a couple of weeks. Your pain might just be gone for good! If you’re seriously worried that you may have an injury that could get worse by exercising, see your doctor before you begin. If they give you an all-clear, it’s time to get in gear!
“Exercise is boring.”
If exercise seems too boring, you might want to change the type of exercises you’re doing. If you don’t like slogging it out on the treadmill, don’t do it! Try to pick exercises that naturally align with your interests and personality type. For example, go hiking or cycling if you’re an outdoor person. If you can’t stand weights, find some bodyweight workouts that you can get into, or possibly some type of fun cardio class such as Zumba or aerobics. Even when you find something you like, mix it up regularly to keep things from getting stale.
