Excuses, Excuses...

Since the weather is not particularly good, I thought I might write an entry about the excuses we make so as not to exercise...and the responses!

I have across some very twee comments on the excuses we make, but I think this is my favourite:

The only thing excuses are good for is holding you back!

1. I don't have time. Life is busy, but even 10 mins X 3 of exercise per day count so there are no excuses not to start. You may not know this, but President Obama works out six times a week; if he can manage with his (ahem, slightly) busy schedule, then you really don't have any excuses. And remember, if you can make time for Coronation Street, X Factor, going for a pint after work, etc. then you have time to fit a short work-out into your routine.
2. I don't like exercise\ Exercise is boring. Simple! Just choose something you enjoy. If you enjoy dancing, join a zumba or salsa class, if you like soccer, join a five-a-side league with friends or family. Exercise can be fun and something to enjoy.
3. I can't afford it. If you're just starting out, all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes. You don't need gym membership to get fit - just get outside and move. Or you can follow an online programme like this twenty minute work-out that doesn't use any equipment. Even if you want to incorporate weights into your work-out you can buy dumbbells like these relatively cheaply at Argos or somewhere similar.
4. My work-out routine hurts. That means it's working!!! Keep it up until it stops hurting. If it is very bad, however, you should try a different routine, or use lighter weights (even 0.5kg per weight can make a huge difference). Also, make sure you're resting and sleeping enough.
5. I don't have the energy. This is a RIDICULOUS excuse because exercising generates energy so the more you engage with it, the more energy you will have. It's the opposite of a vicious cycle!
6. The weather is bad. If you were to wait for great weather in Ireland to get out and about, you would likely become house-bound. It is possible to go out in the rain - you won't melt. Just don't take stupid risks like cycling in gale-force winds or running on windy roads in heavy rain as visibility is at its worst.
7. My trainer works me too hard. If it's that bad, get a new trainer. The likelihoods are though that you're either being a wimp or you just need to chat to your trainer to make a few small adjustments to ease the pressure. 
   

   

   This isn't necessarily a bad look!

   
8. I'm worried about a medical condition. Speak to your doctor about what exercise you're permitted to take part in with your LEGITIMATE condition. If you're very overweight, don't do any high-impact stuff like jump squats, lunges, etc. I have noticed that with the surge of people running, there are a lot of very fat people out pounding the streets. I am not an expert, but I can't imagine it's doing them any good given the pressure on the heart and lungs as well as risk of injury to joints from excessive weight and pressure. If you can't walk 5km without being very out of breath, why try to run it?
9. I hate sweating. Get a LIFE!! Sweating is completely natural, so you're going to have to get over that or else die on the couch watching Fair City - surely that's not how you want to go!! If you're THAT caught up about it though, try yoga or pilates to start with; these are great work-outs without too much sweating.
10. I'm too fat. This should be your biggest excuse TO exercise. Even a small amount of exercise can lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, improve blood sugar levels, make exercising easier and boost your confidence. For more information on how to get active and to stay active check out Weigh2Live.
11. I worked out yesterday. Great! So, you're able, willing and know what you're doing. Get out there again today.
12. I'm on a diet, so I don't need to work-out. Regardless of your diet, physical activity is necessary to maintain a healthy weight as well as being for your bones, your muscles, your mental health and your overall well-being.
13. I don't have any self-control. This is probably why you're fat and\ or unfit. Start with simple changes like walking to your local shop instead of driving, have a skinny latté or cappuccino instead of one made with full-fat milk. Give up soft drinks. Completely. Even the diet and 'zero' varieties. Water is all you need to give you energy and to quench your thirst. These are easy things you can do to reduce your calorie intake and to increase your daily activity. Think small steps...

Anybody else heard any other excuses? Any funny ones? The dog ate my running shoe, etc.?

What are the things you do to motivate yourself when you're not feeling in the mood for a work-out, a run, etc.? Please share your words of wisdom in the comments box below. :-D