Exercise.
We all know it’s important. So why do so many people struggle to actually do it? While there are a wide variety of excuses not to move and exercise, there are some that are pretty common.
Take a look and see if any of these top ten excuses resonate with you. And then learn how to beat the excuses and reap the benefits of consistent working out.
Top 10 Excuses People Use to NOT Exercise (And How To Overcome Them)
1. Not Enough Time
“I just don’t have the time to workout.” Sound familiar? We are all busy. Jobs, school, family, cleaning, gardening, car repairs, appointments, social obligations, catching up on your favorite shows, etc., etc.
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The list goes on and on. In our fast-paced world is it any wonder that most people shove exercise to the very bottom of their list? Making time to workout without disrupting your life can seem like an impossible task at times.
How to overcome it:
It’s easy to say “just make time,” but reality is rarely that easy. Sure, for some people, simply being diligent about blocking out a certain hour of the day will do the trick.
But for many people, it’s hard to maintain an exercise routine if it demands a huge chunk of time.
Luckily, there is ample evidence to suggest that you don’t need an hour-long workout to reap the benefits of movement. In fact, shorter workouts scattered throughout the day may be better for your overall health.
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Affordable fitness programs like SomaFit can help you sprinkle short and effective workouts throughout your day. No need for fancy equipment, special clothing, or lots of space. If you have a body you can get your workouts in without destroying your to-do list.
Remember, the American Heart Association says that 75 minutes of vigorous exercise is all you need each week to improve your health.
So if there is no way for you to get a full hour workout that’s okay. Shift the way you think about exercise and start implementing more movement into your day-to-day routine. (SomaFit is our favorite way to do just that.)
2. No Access
Ever feel like you have to go to a fancy gym, buy expensive equipment, or afford the best personal trainer to get a good workout? You’re not alone. Feeling like you don’t have access to these things is a major excuse for a lot of people.
How to overcome it:
Let this thought sink in: You don’t need any special access to exercise. At-home workouts are becoming more accessible, effective, and exciting. But even if you have no money, no technology, no electricity, and no nothing – you can still exercise and move.
Go for a run. Go for a hike. Go for a walk. Walk up and down some stairs. Do some squats, stretches, and push-ups. There are so many ways to move your body – explore those ways and explore the world around you. The best part? It’s some of the most enjoyable exercise you can do.
3. No Motivation
Even though people know that exercise is fundamentally good for health – many still struggle to care enough to follow-through. I mean, come on, you and I both know there are days when sitting on the couch after a long day of work sounds way more appealing than working out. Sometimes, the motivation just isn’t there.
How to overcome it:
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4. Not In Shape
Sadly, a lot of people want to exercise more but feel that they are too out of shape to exercise. Ironic? Yes. A reality for a lot of people? You bet. Feelings of inadequacy, worries about being judged, or just fearing the unfamiliar keep a lot of people from even starting.
How to overcome it:
In the famous words of Nike, sometimes you need to “just do it.” But you need to do it smart, too. Start with something simple, like walking or swimming. Slowly add in other movements and exercise styles as your body gets stronger. Work with Somatic-based principles that honor your own internal sensations to avoid injury. And of course, talk to your healthcare practitioner before starting any new exercise program. There is something out there for everyone. Don’t be afraid to take that first step. You deserve a healthier life.
5. No Energy
After a long day of work/school/kids/etc. all you want to do is relax and enjoy your evening. Maybe you already wake up at 6:00 in the morning and the thought of waking up any earlier is terrifying. Lots of people use the excuse of being too tired to add exercise to their day.
How to overcome it:
Lack of energy is hard. But not moving is actually more draining. Exercise has been shown to improve energy levels. Its physics: An object in motion stays in motion. The key is in finding the right kind of exercise to balance your day out. If you are the type of person who is always on the go, running may feel like too much of the same thing. But a restorative yoga class or a mindful movement experience might be the perfect workout to rejuvenate your body and keep your energy reserves safe.
One of the reasons we love SomaFit so much is that it offers hundreds of short classes with a variety of goals. Whether you need something that energizes you or calms your mind, you can find something restorative and balancing.
6. It’s Boring
Maybe you think exercise is just not your thing. If after a few minutes you are bored and ready to stop, you may assume that all exercise is the same. Life is too short for boring, right?
How to Overcome it:
Don’t settle. Try different types of exercise until you find something you love. Trust me – there is something out there for everyone. Pilates, boxing, Cross-fit, Yoga, running, rebounding, dancing, skipping, playing at the park with your kids, walking, hiking, at home workout videos, weight lifting, rowing, etc. etc. There is no one way to workout. Find what makes you happy and do that thing.
7. Family/Kids Get in the Way
Fitness moms hear it all the time: “How do you find the time to workout with the kids?” Family life can seem like an easy excuse because, let’s be honest, being a parent is HARD. You prioritize your family, which is awesome. But it doesn’t have to be so all or nothing when it comes to exercise.
How to overcome it:
Get the kids involved! Including your kids in your workout means you’re moving, and they are moving. It’s a great way to teach them about the importance of their bodies. Go for family runs or bike rides. Teach them how to do a sun salutation, some squats, or push ups. You’ll be surprised how much fun they can have with you and how much fun you’ll have exercising together.
If you prefer exercising sans kids, keep in mind that you don’t have to carve out huge chunks of time to workout. Sneak in some short five- or ten-minute workouts while they nap, play, sleep, or eat.
8. It Hurts
There are two different kinds of pain. Good kind and bad kind. If the good kind of pain keeps you from exercising, keep in mind that those pains are generally associated with your body getting stronger. A stronger, healthier body means less chronic pain and reducing your chance of more debilitating pain in the long run.
If you’re worried about bad pain while exercising then something needs to change. Maybe you have old injuries that flare up when you workout. Bad knees, bad back, etc.
How to overcome it:
Exercising through bad pain isn’t the answer. But choosing a sedentary lifestyle isn’t going to solve the problem, and will only create more problems later on in life. If you’re recovering from old injuries talk to your healthcare practitioner or an experienced trainer who can modify workouts to keep you active while you heal. Working with experienced teachers and trainers will help you keep proper alignment and technique that are essential for avoiding further injuries. If all else fails, listen to your body and try movement that feels good. Somatic-based movement is a great inroad to learning how to move properly and restore your body back to pain-free living.
9. Lack Of Results
If you just aren’t seeing the results you want it can be hard to carry on. Whether you want to lose weight, improve your energy, or get stronger – it’s hard when you feel stuck in a rut.
How to overcome it:
This comes back down to those short term goals. It could be that the results you are looking for are something that will take more time than you want. This can be frustrating, but don’t give up! Set short term goals.
Keep in mind that you may also need to change up your routine. Your body thrives on change. If you aren’t getting the results you want from your running workouts, add in some weight training. Or maybe some yoga or mobility. Mix things up and savor the short terms benefits of movement.
10. Too Overwhelming
For some, exercising just feels too overwhelming to start. There are too many options. You have too much on your plate. You don’t know where to start and you don’t know how to stick with it.
How to overcome it:
First, get rid of the shame and guilt. Start out small – even if it’s just five minutes a day. Build up from there. Keep those short-term goals in your mind rather than thinking about those big, daunting, and overwhelming long-term goals. Give yourself permission to be imperfect. If you skip a day, it’s okay. Remember movement is a gift.
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SomaFit was built with you in mind. Life is busy, gyms are expensive, space is limited. We get it. Fitness should fit your life, not that other way around. With over 200 classes, certified Somatic instructors, and a whole different approach to fitness you’ll find that creating a habit for movement is easy… and enjoyable.
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