Excuses. We all make them. Especially when it comes to getting our butts to the gym. Granted, going to the gym to get your daily exercise quota in isn’t for everyone. But if you aren’t hiking, or running 5K daily, or training to be a gymnast, then how are you getting exercise? Walking to the corner for three coffee breaks a day doesn’t count. You are only hurting yourself by making excuses, so think about whether your reasons for not going to the gym are really all that important.
- You’re on a budget. You may not be able to afford a membership to a gym, a yoga studio, and a weekly personal trainer, but you don’t need all that anyway. Basic gym memberships come as low as $20 a month, and if even that can’t be spared from your budget, you can go for power walks or jogs outside, or you can follow along with workout videos from the comfort of your own home. Thanks, internet!
- You’re too tired. You are allowed to use this excuse once a week. No one wants to go to work out every day. Veg on the couch tonight, but tomorrow, get your butt up and move your body.
- You don’t have time. Make time. It doesn’t have to be a 3 hour intense workout every day. Just do something.
- You don’t like exercise/find it boring. There’s bound to be some form of physical activity you like, whether it’s a sport or just an active pastime. You don’t have to walk aimlessly on a treadmill to exercise – explore other activities and make it work.
- You have nothing to wear. You’re getting some serious side eye for this one. Working out isn’t an excuse to put on a fashion show, it’s something you do for your health. Get a grip.
- You have bad knees. Getting more exercise has been known to help a lot of injuries. There are things you can do that won’t cause pain. Yoga maybe?
- Your boobs don’t fit in any sports bras. No need to exaggerate. It might cost you a little more money, but if you can find a regular bra, you can find a sports bra that will keep those things under control for an hour a day.
- It’s inconvenient: What is inconvenient? If you’ve got a gym membership (which you’re paying for and not using, by the way), there are lockers, showers and some even have hair dryers. Plenty of them are open 24/7. If you’re relying on your own resources for working out, nothing is more convenient than the great outdoors or navigating to YouTube and typing in “30 minute workout”. Come on.
- You’re too self-conscious. Not everyone who goes to a gym is in perfect physical condition, and they certainly don’t go around judging every ounce of fat on everyone else’s body. Same with people on the street – if you’re jogging past, how long are they really going to be looking at you, anyway? No one cares that much. So get over yourself.
- You’re out of shape. And guess what? You always will be if you don’t get some exercise. Start slow, and it will get easier, promise.
