Excluding the small percentage of fitness freaks in this world, the majority of us don’t particularly enjoy exercise. We reluctantly push ourselves to work-out because we realize that physical activity, put simply, is good for us. The abundance of health benefits, including increased mental and physical well-being, is too crucial to ignore. Our fitness level is resolutely linked to our quality of life, even our longevity. Yet we persist in doing what we can to avoid it, and reward ourselves with a hardy pat on the back at completing a half-hearted 30-minute stint.
I am, of course, referring to you lot. I happen to be one of those annoying people who put you to shame with my six-day-a-week workout plan. But I work with people like you every day, people who hire me to vanquish their excuses. And boy, have I heard them all. “I’m tired” and “I don’t have time” are the most common quips. If you’re tired, do something a little less strenuous – something is better than nothing. And if your time is limited, break your work-outs up over the day into bouts of ten minutes. “My dog is sick” (how that is related to your ability to train, I still can’t figure out), “I’m hung-over” (I totally hear ya. However, exercise can actually remedy a hangover.) And then there are those who are just refreshingly honest: “I really can’t be assed to workout”.
Whatever your evasion, the harsh truth is that everyone has the means of working out, and for the sake of our overall health and well-being, we must exercise. You don’t need a gym. A little space at home, a park, a brisk walk around the block (leave the sick dog at home), a few squats at the office… It’s easy to talk ourselves out of working out, but my advice to you is to not over-think it. Just do it, and try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Make it a habit. Physical activity comes in many forms, so pick something you enjoy. Find a workout buddy. And if all else fails, hire a trainer to hold you accountable.
No more excuses.