Working out when you don’t know where to start sucks. That’s just one of many excuses I found when I combed through fitness blogs and magazines recently. Researching for an article about exercise was eye-opening—I realized that we’re constantly making up reasons to avoid going to the gym.
So I decided to put together a list of the most popular fitness excuses, and then show you how to overcome them. No more wasted time—let’s get started on getting fit!
If you need a little tough love to really get back on the fitness track, keep reading.
“I want to lose weight, but I just need the motivation”
Just get up and get moving. No excuses. It doesn’t matter where or what you do, you’re gonna see results that you won’t find by sitting on the couch.
“I can’t work out/do yoga/go for a run because I’m not strong enough/flexible/in good cardiovascular shape”
Through the jeers of fellow mates, I managed to make it through an entire yoga class…and then some. And you know what? I wasn’t the only one huffing and puffing my way through the child’s pose. Whether you’re starting a new workout regimen or trying out a challenging class for the first time, everyone feels like they can’t keep up at some point. Don’t be discouraged—just keep at it and your strength and endurance will improve in no time.
“I don’t have time to work out”
This is probably the most common fitness excuse of them all, but it’s also the easiest one to overcome. If you can find just 30 minutes in your day, you can squeeze in a quick workout. And if you really can’t seem to find the time, there are plenty of ways to sneak in some exercise throughout your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk or bike to work, or do some bodyweight exercises while you’re watching TV.
“I’m too tired to work out”
We’ve all been there—after a long day of work, the last thing you want to do is hit the gym. But believe it or not, exercise can actually give you more energy. So even if you’re feeling a little tired, try to fit in a quick workout. You’ll be glad you did when you’re not yawning all afternoon.
“I don’t have the money to join a gym”
You don’t need a gym membership to get fit. There are plenty of ways to get a great workout without spending a lot of money. You can go for a run or bike ride outside, buy some basic home workout equipment, or even download a fitness app on your phone.
“I don’t know what exercises to do”
If you’re new to working out, it can be overwhelming to try to figure out what exercises to do. But there are plenty of resources that can help you get started. Check out some workout videos online, ask a friend who’s into fitness for advice, or hire a personal trainer (if you can afford it).
“I don’t like working out”
Not everyone is a gym rat, and that’s OK. The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy so that working out doesn’t feel like a chore. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to do it just because you think it’s the best way to get in shape. There are plenty of other options—find one that you’ll actually stick with.
“I’m too old/out of shape to start working out”
It’s never too late to start getting in shape. No matter your age or fitness level, there are exercises that can help you get fit and improve your health. And don’t worry about looking silly—everyone was a beginner at some point.
“I don’t have the right clothes/equipment”
You don’t need the latest and greatest workout gear to get in shape. Just put on some comfortable clothes and you’re good to go. As for equipment, all you really need is a good pair of shoes. But if you want to buy some other gear to help you with your workouts, there are plenty of affordable options out there.
“I’m traveling and can’t work out”
Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you have to take a break from your workout routine. There are plenty of ways to stay active while you’re traveling, whether it’s going for a run in a new city or doing some bodyweight exercises in your hotel room. And if you’re really struggling to find the time or motivation to work out, consider hiring a travel personal trainer—they can help you stay on track while you’re away from home.
“I don’t see results fast enough”
If you’re not seeing results as quickly as you’d like, it can be tempting to give up on your fitness goals altogether. But don’t give up! It takes time to see results from your workouts, so be patient and keep at it. And if you’re not seeing any progress after a few weeks, try mix things up and try new exercises.
“Still, it’s hard to motivate yourself”
Then you need a workout buddy, or what we commonly refer to as a “gym buddy”. Research suggests that people who work out with a friend or partner are more likely to stick with their workouts than those who go it alone. So find someone who shares your fitness goals and hit the gym together.
“But do I have to give up eating all the food I love?”
No, you don’t have to give up all the foods you love, but you should try to eat healthier overall. Rather than completely eliminating unhealthy foods from your diet, just focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. And cut back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of alcohol.
“What if I can’t make it to the gym?”
If you can’t make it to the gym, there are plenty of other ways to get a great workout. You can go for a run or bike ride outside, buy some basic home workout equipment, or even download a fitness app on your phone.
“I just can’t do it, okay?”
This excuse is just a way of giving up. If you really want to reach your fitness goals, you need to be willing to put in the work. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. So find some motivation, dust off your workout clothes, and get moving!
Final Words
These are just some of the most common excuses people use for not working out. But if you’re serious about getting in shape, you need to find a way to overcome them. So get started today and don’t let anything stand in your way. Remember, you can do it!
Table of Contents
