Overcoming Common Exercise Excuses
If there’s one thing humans are universally good at, it’s coming up with reasons not to do the things we don’t want to do—like exercise. On any given day, most of us could probably come up with ten or more reasons why we shouldn’t exercise. But should you listen to those reasons, or should you turn a deaf ear to them and keep on schedule?
It’s important to distinguish between valid reasons not to exercise and excuses. Valid reasons include injury, illness, strain, or doctor’s orders. Here are some more common, less reasonable excuses:
“I hate to exercise.”
Unfortunately, becoming a happy, healthy adult involves doing things that we don’t particularly like to do, such as eating vegetables, going to bed early, going to work, and exercising daily.
One of the best ways to overcome this common roadblock is to exercise while doing something that you do like, such as reading, listening to music, watching television, or listening to an audio book. Some people only allow themselves to watch certain television shows or read certain books while they’re exercising, which can help solidify the routine. Whatever you choose to do while working out, adding something you enjoy to the mix is a great motivator and might even make you look forward to exercising.
It might seem obvious, but another method for making exercising more enjoyable is to find exercises that you don’t actually hate. If you really don’t like the elliptical machine, try a stationary bike or stair-climber. If you hate all exercise machines, why not give Frisbee, tennis, or walking outdoors a try? The number of exercise methods is virtually endless.
“I’m too tired to exercise today.”
To the surprise of many, exercise is one of the most effective cures for fatigue. By getting your heart, blood, and oxygen pumping, you’ll gain energy, which can improve your memory and allow you to focus better. Exercise can also help you sleep more soundly and keep your energy levels more consistent throughout the day.
“I might not succeed when I try to exercise.”
The only success you need to concern yourself with when you exercise is the success of actually exercising. By just doing the exercise, you’ve succeeded, and the more you exercise, the better you get at it. Before you know it, you’ll start exceeding goals.
“I just don’t have time to exercise today.”
Your exercise appointment needs to be just as important to you as any other appointment. Write it in your calendar, set a time each day, and show up. If you can, try to combine your workout with other activities. If you need to study, why not do so while walking on the treadmill? If you like to unwind after a stressful day by watching television, you can do so while riding a stationary bike. There are all sorts of things you can do while exercising to help make time when you thought there was none.