We’ve all heard them…and in fact we’ve all made them. Great excuses for why we can’t work out. It’s costly and time consuming and energy draining. Sound familiar? Well I am here to combat the seven biggest excuses for not working out by giving you tactical solutions for each.
Excuse #1 – No Time.
I get this. You have kids, a full-time job, a relationship, a social life, and family commitments. Sometimes you wonder how you get it all done in a 24-hour day. But working out for one hour each day is only 4% of your day! It takes me one hour, from start to finish, to get in and out of the gym. I stay focused and come with a written out plan for each of my workouts so I don’t waste time chit chatting or wondering what to do next while I am there. There are numerous classes at gyms across Winnipeg where you can be in and out in 45 minutes, or even 30 minutes if need be. And if you concern is when in the day are you going to make this happen? If you are working full-time – your lunch hour. If you are at home with kids – when you partner comes home or when the kids are napping or at school. If your social life is too busy – make time. This is your health and eventually your life at stake. Working out for 60 minutes five times a week is imperative to a healthy lifestyle, and in turn a long-term healthy life.
Excuse #2 – I Don’t Know How to Workout
Everyone has to start somewhere. If the idea of lifting weights and hitting up cardio machines is what you are interested in, most gyms in Winnipeg will offer your first personal training session for free. From there, if you want to continue with a trainer and can afford this luxury, terrific. But that is not the case for everyone. The Internet is full of amazing FREE workout videos, circuits and tips. I have been working out for over twenty years and I still go to the Internet for ideas on how to keep my workouts fresh. Expertrain.com, OxygenMag.com, Bodyrock.tv and FitFabCities.com are all great online resources.
If that sounds like a lot of work, and if time is not on your side, join a circuit gym or a gym that has classes. Impact Fitness on Waverley has terrific options for circuit training, or try one of the exceptional cross fit, yoga, kickboxing or spin facilities. Finding something that you love is key to ensuring you stick with it.
Excuse #3 – The Gym is Expensive
As mentioned above, finding something that you love is key to ensure you stick with a solid exercise program. If you aren’t using your gym membership, then it is throwing money to the wind. It is important that you give the facility a try before you sign up. Most gyms in Winnipeg will offer a free day or even a week to see if you like the facility. Once you have determined a cost, make sure you don’t pay their ‘enrollment fee’. I honestly don’t think these are fair for gyms to ask for, and it is easy to simply ask them to waive it. You can purchase a monthly membership in Winnipeg for as little as $40/month. That’s the cost of about seven Starbuck’s coffees. Also, look into if your workplace offers a fitness program cost break – many offices are splitting the costs of their employees fitness programs as they see the benefits of their staff being active. If that still seems like a stretch, luckily it is summer time and you can do activities for free. Going outside for a brisk walk or a jog every day or perhaps doing some of the workouts you find online in your home or at the park. If this is the case, search ‘workouts at home’ when looking for workout routines. There are plenty to choose from to get your heart pumping.
Excuse #4 – Gyms Are Too Intimidating – I need to be in better shape before I get started.
I definitely understand this one. If you are new to working out, or it has been a long time, walking into a gym with buff guys lifting big weight, or seeing shredded girls wearing short shorts and sports bras can be intimidating. In fact, it can be down right scary. In this case, I would suggest bringing a friend. Anytime to have your friends by your side, the world seems a bit nicer. And honestly, of course there are some jerks out there that might be judging, but I can confidently say that the majority of people who are in shape in the gym are proud of you for being there. Remember – everyone has to start somewhere, and your ‘somewhere’ is today. And for those of you who are in great shape at the gym, let’s do our best to make new people feel welcome.
Excuse #5 – I Don’t Have the Energy
Of course you don’t – you’re not working out! Your energy levels are low because you’re not working out. Exercise is proven to improve energy levels by strengthening your circulation and heart muscle, and increasing your metabolism. Scientists have proven the best way to combat fatigue and boost your energy levels is to in fact exercise more not less. I can truthfully say there is not one workout I have ever completed and regretted. Sometimes you need to make yourself get up and get moving. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Excuse #6 – Injury
Injuries are going to happen – it’s called getting older! Your body isn’t going to be necessarily as capable to do certain activities as it was 20 years ago. But if you don’t workout at all, it is going to be even worse. Injuries are a setback – they aren’t game over. I am not suggesting by any means to work ‘through’ an injury or to ignore pain. The concept of ‘pain is only weakness leaving the body’ is a complete farce in my mind. When you have pain, stop. When you have injury, work around it. Work with your athletic or physiotherapist on ways to strengthen that injury, but work around that injury. For example, two years ago my sister had a stress fracture in her femur. Many people would have sat around for six months while it was healing. Not her. She was still in the gym five times per week but doing different exercises. She was concentrating on her upper body muscles and core. The strength she gained over the six-month period, and the overall blood flow to her injury helped with her healing. With proper counsel from a doctor or therapist, you are still able. As they say in yoga, ‘if you can, you must.’
Excuse #7 – I’m Already Thin
Well good for you! Perhaps weight loss is not your goal in the gym. But what about improving your strength, balance, cardiovascular, body shape or your overall health? I workout to be strong not skinny. I workout to be healthy not skinny. I workout so that I can have the energy to do things that most of our population does not have the energy to do. I workout so I can have a long, healthy life. And most of all, I workout because I love it. And when you find the right kickboxing class or swimming instructor or yoga studio, you’ll get the fitness bite too. I promise your body and your mind will thank you for it.
Are you ready to get started?