A workout may be just one session in one day, but for every one workout, there is a myriad of excuses as to why you can’t do so. While some may be more indulgent–a planned girls’ night out or downtime needed to catch up on your favorite TV series–other excuses may actually seem valid. Guess what, most of them are not. And not only are they not valid, they’re also the very reason why you should workout. Take that, excuses.
Too Tired: Whether it’s hitting the snooze button on an a.m. spin class or ditching an evening yoga class to nap on the couch, catching up on your sleep can be a good thing. Experts often recommend between seven and nine hours of slumber each night. If you’re not getting close to that, snoozing past the alarm or taking naps might be in order. However, if you’re fitting in all of your zzz’s, and still feel in need of a siesta, exercise might be a better answer, thanks to the energy jolt that moving creates. Instead of getting your boost from a cup of morning caffeine, try a sweat session to put some pep in your step.
Too Sore: Achy joints and muscles can come from aging, improper posture, stress, or even just a crappy mattress. If you and your doc have discussed these nagging issues, and they’re nothing serious, it’s time to increase your fitness in order to start feeling better. The number of people who are sedentary for long periods of time is increasing thanks to technology. When your body sits still, it can get stuck, causing pain when you eventually do move. The less you stay seated (or lying down) the more your blood gets pumping, your muscles start firing, and your joints get greased up. Combine light cardio with heavy stretching and you’ll be feeling a lot less hurt.
Too Busy: We get it – work, kids, errands, chores, and social stuff leave very little time in your day to fit in exercise. Your day is busy, and while fitness may be hard to squeeze in, it is doable. And it’s also going to be the very thing that helps you tackle that ongoing to-do list day-in and day-out. Remember the energy boost that exercise provides? Well, that extra kick will help see you through a jam-packed schedule. And the stress that comes with being over-committed? Exercise can help with that, too. Take a walk in nature, and the meditative state help to relax you into a happier state. Can’t fit it in a hour of exercise all at once? Break it up. Ten minutes here and there is better than none at all.
[adrotate banner=”26″]Too Out of Shape: Believe it or not, this is actually an excuse people use to convince themselves not to work out. The obvious fact is that if you’re out of shape–a little or a lot–the only way to get a healthier body is to exercise (OK, and eat right). That doesn’t mean you should run the local 10K tomorrow after not having moved much in the past month. Instead, it’s about lowering your expectations and starting with baby steps. Charity races happen year-round, so if a 10K is something you want to do, start with a walking and light jogging program that will help you achieve that goal over time. Maybe there is health risk that is plaguing you, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Work with your medical professional or a personal trainer to develop a fitness regimen that meets both your goals and your body’s needs.
Excuses are easy; exercise is not, but that’s no reason to choose one over the other. You have every good reason to work out today, but the only reason you really need is YOU.
What is your go-to excuse for not working out? Share with us in the comments!
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Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
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