Excuses, excuses...

“I haven’t been to the gym in a while because...” BZZZZZZZZZZ! I thought an excuse buzzer would be the ideal accessory for the reception desk. Jenni said no. Spoilsport. Not that I don’t want to hear the excuses you understand, it's just that guilt is usually the motivating factor for the story and no-one should feel guilty for not exercising. Seriously, it's okay to have priorities other than exercise. We're not the Exercise Police! What's not okay is to moan about being unfit or out of shape because life keeps getting in the way. Below is a list of common excuses for not exercising and why they just don't cut it. It's intended as a thought-provoking bit of fun so please don't take offence! Maybe just a gentle boot up the backside...

1. I don't have time. Easily the most common excuse and easily the worst. Rarely is a lack of time the issue but rather time management and prioritisation. If exercise is low on your list of piorities then that's fine, just don't pretend you'd like to exercise if only there were another 10 hours in the day. Truth be told, you'd fill those with something else and still say you don't have time. The majority of us spend lots of time watching TV, surfing the web, reading the paper and gossiping with friends but can't find 30 to 60 minutes three to four times a week to look after ourselves. Make some time, put your workouts in your diary and don't change them for anything! If you genuinely don't have time to look after your body then maybe you need to take a long hard look at that.
2. I don't enjoy exercise. I'm sure you don't, but I bet you'd enjoy living with some preventable illness caused by poor lifestyle choices like diabetes or heart disease a lot less. Anyway, you just need to think outside the box and find something you do enjoy. Yes, I'd love you to come to the gym but I'm not kidding myself that it's everyone's cup of tea.
3. I need to look after the kids. And the kids would no doubt like to be outside, so be active together; play games, take them for a walk (or a push), teach them a sport, whatever. Exercise should be fun and you can't have more fun than being a kid again!
4. I'm too out of shape. That's what exercise is for! I can never quite understand the idea that you need to be in shape to exercise, not exercise to get in shape. The belief that gyms are filled with lycra-clad goddesses is, sadly, not true so don't worry, you'll fit in fine just as you are.
5. I'm too tired. And why do you think that is? A lack of activity and a rubbish diet, that's why. The more you sit about the more you want to sit about! Exercise, a good diet and adequate hydration have a remarkable effect on energy levels. If you really must use this excuse then please at least be honest and just say you're too lazy!
6. It's too hard. Yes, but when did anything worthwhile ever come easy? If you want the results then put the work in. If you're not willing to put the work in then clearly you don't want the results badly enough and you should stop moaning about a lack of progress.
7. I have a sore back/knee/ankle/little finger/ear. Yeah, and probably a sore bum from sitting on it. Why do you think you have sore knees? Perhaps a lack of activity? Or a sore back? Maybe because it's too weak to withstand the demands of daily life. The vast majority of people find that their aches and pains of many years miraculously subside when they start lifting weights. Even genuine injuries caused by sports or accidents can usually be worked around and helped. Whenever anyone downright refuses to squat because "they hurt my knees" but are happy to use the leg press instead we know #6 applies - it's simply too hard. That's fine, just admit it.
8. I don't know what to do. That's what we're here for. If you forget easily then we can remind you. If you still forget then go to Jenni's classes and she'll remind you every week. And eat fish.
9. It's too dangerous. No, a heart attack is dangerous. Exercising under appropriate supervision is in fact incredibly safe. Just make sure your instructor is suitably qualified because taking advice from unqualified, or under-qualified, instructors is asking for trouble (and yes, we do know some locally!).
10. My job is active enough. Ya think? And that's why you're in the shape of your life? There's a difference between being 'on the go' all day and working at an intensity which brings you health benefits, never mind fitness benefits. I know of few jobs which help keep you healthy, none which actually improve your fitness, but plenty which make you unhealthy. And if you believe your job is active because you're tired at the end of the day then see #5.
11. I can't afford it. Until the government come out with a 'walking tax' then this one is just hopeless. Exercise needn't cost money. Ok, so you might need to spend some time in the weights room if you want to look significantly better, but improving your health can be free. And, if you're short of a bob or two for gym membership, have you ever noticed how much cheaper your shopping is without the biscuits and crisps in the basket?!

So now you're out of excuses there's only one thing for it: start exercising today! Go out for a walk. Or call the gym and book in for a training programme. Or book into some exercise classes. Or phone the secretary of the sports club you always fancied joining. But do it NOW! What's that? You can't, you're too... BZZZZZZZZZZ!

Comments

[Kate Melvin]

You certainly hit the nail on the head - I will be back at class next Wednesday!!