When it comes to excuses, we’re all guilty of using them as a justification at some point. And there’s an endless list of popular ones people generally default to. But when talking about fitness excuses, in particular, people can get creative when making excuses for not exercising. And the truth is — they’re only hurting themselves.
I could write you a novel if I were to cover every single fitness excuse on the planet, but we’re going to look at 10 of the most common fitness excuses today and give you some tips on how to avoid these pitfalls.
1. I Don’t Have Time
I hate to break it to you, but the truth is, you make time for the things that matter to you. Plenty of people have facts to back up this excuse to the point it seems valid. We all have the same amount of time in a day. But we often prioritize work, family, and other commitments above exercising, and that’s where we find ourselves telling the story that we don’t have the time.
You have to make the time. That might mean sacrificing other things you usually do — but trust me, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Try and keep track of the time you spend scrolling on social media, browsing the internet, watching TV, or any other activities you don’t even realize may be a huge time-suck. Are those things more important than working out and staying healthy? I’m guessing you’ll find at least a few things you can afford to sacrifice to have the time to work out.
2. I’m Too Tired
This one is another one everyone can relate to at some point or another. Whether you’re working full-time or a full-time parent, or perhaps even doing it all — the “I’m too tired” or “I don’t have the energy” excuse is completely understandable.
Finding the energy to exercise after a full day at work may seem like a feat only a superhero could accomplish. But people are doing it every single day. Or they wake up an hour or so earlier to get their workout in before work. Find what works best for you. It may be challenging at first, but the good news is that working out will actually boost and regulate your energy levels over time. And when you are physically too tired, opt for less intense workouts such as yoga, pilates, or a simple stroll.
3. I Don’t Like Exercising
What better way to make excuses for not exercising than simply not liking it? This is one of the biggest fitness excuses out there. I get it — life is short, so why waste time on things you don’t enjoy? You’re not wasting your time knowing that physical activity boosts your immune system. Moreover, it also has a significant impact on your mental health.
You just have to find a way of moving your body that you enjoy. Exercise doesn’t have to mean running, long gym sessions, or HIIT boot camps. Dancing, sports, hiking, martial arts are all forms of exercise. When you find a type of workout you like, you’re more likely to stick to it.
4. I Have No Motivation
Here’s the thing about motivation — it comes and goes. Like any other emotion, you won’t feel motivated all the time. That’s just part of being human. Even the greatest athletes or professionals in the fitness industry aren’t always motivated. Not having motivation is not only a common fitness excuse, it’s a common excuse for anything in life.
This is where commitment and discipline are essential. It’s about getting your workout in despite not feeling motivated. And sure, doing an hour-long HIIT class is daunting when you lack the motivation to exercise in the first place. Beat this by starting small. Go for a 15-minute walk or immerse yourself in a physical activity you enjoy for a shorter period. You can increase your workout lengths as you progress.
5. It’s Too Hard
What’s your fitness excuse? If we haven’t hit it yet, we’re only halfway through our list of the most common fitness excuses. Have you ever felt like working out was just too hard? Told yourself you are physically incapable of it? Deemed yourself as someone who isn’t cut out for the fitness lifestyle?
This notion of working out being too hard is one of the biggest fitness excuses I find to be rather silly. Why? Because you get to choose your workout. Look, no one said exercising would be easy, but it also doesn’t have to be so difficult. Find something doable for your current fitness level and gradually push and challenge yourself on your journey.
6. Gym Memberships Are Too Expensive
I totally get this fitness excuse, but just like all the others — there’s an easy way around it. Financial concerns are a valid reason not to join a gym or sign up for a membership at a fitness studio. But with so many cost-friendly options out there, you can’t use the excuse of not being able to afford to work out.
There are two simple solutions here. You can opt for free workouts, such as running, outdoor cycling, and hiking, or even take advantage of free workout videos online. But if you love a particular workout, such as Lagree, find a way to take a class occasionally. We offer class packages, and the more classes you get, the more you save on the price per class. Find ways to cut costs elsewhere in life. You could save over $100/month if you make coffee at home instead of grabbing that Starbucks latte every morning.
7. I Don’t See the Results
This is another common fitness excuse that presents itself when people don’t dedicate the time necessary to see results. We live in a world now where people want immediate results. And unfortunately, that’s not achievable when it comes to fitness. This is another way people make excuses not to work out. They think they tried and didn’t get the desired results, so they give up.
More often than not, it’s due to a lack of consistency and commitment, and people abandon their fitness journey before they even get to the point of seeing results. Overcome this fitness excuse and stay committed. And remember to celebrate the small wins along the way.
8. I Have an Injury
I get the injury excuse as someone who has had herniated discs in my lower back and many other aches and pains. But not exercising because of an injury is counterproductive. You don’t want to disregard an injury, as it’s somewhat legitimate.
Find workouts that don’t aggravate your injury. Being mobile instead of staying sedentary is always a better option. Just be sure to check in with a medical professional before starting a new fitness regimen. From personal experience, I found that my back pain was reduced when I started doing the right workouts. Strengthening my core and opting for high-intensity but low-impact exercises seems to do the trick.
9. I Don’t Have Anyone to Work Out With
Just like most things in life, working out is more fun when you have a buddy to do it with. But using this fitness excuse isn’t reasonable because you can’t always rely on someone else. Community is a big part of fitness, and you often find new friends or a workout partner after you start working out.
Life happens outside your comfort zone. Go to the gym or take a class at your local studio and find a workout partner to hold you accountable.
10. I’m Not Fit Enough, I’m Too Old…
It may seem wild, but a lack of confidence and insecurity is a fitness excuse that keeps so many people from embarking on their fitness journey. Whether it’s “I’m not fit enough,” “I’m too old,” or “I don’t want to look stupid,” etc., if you’re stuck in this mindset, you’ll never fail to find an excuse not to work out.
Feeling intimidated to exercise is understandable, especially in public, where there will be super-fit people whose fitness levels are way beyond what you’ve ever dreamt of. But they had to start somewhere. If you want to change your body and improve your overall health, you must start wherever you are.
Conclusion
Incorporate consistent workouts at your own pace. You get to make your own rules. Zig Ziglar once said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Keep this in the back of your mind whenever you want to resort to one of your fitness excuses.
Self-awareness and the ability to recognize when you’re creating reasons not to work out will help you overcome these common obstacles. Feeling like you’re ready to kick your fitness excuses to the curb? Sign up for your first class, and let us help you get started on overcoming your fitness excuses!
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