Real life often intrudes on the best of intentions. Before you know it you skipped one workout, which turns to two, then three - and before you know it you have dropped your new routine entirely. Here are some excuses we all use to avoid exercising and why they won’t fly.
Too Busy
Sound familiar? You are “too busy” serving others at work, home, doing chores, travelling or visiting family and friends. Your time for others is more important than taking care of yourself.
Yes, life gets busy, but you will always find time for things you make priorities (like an episode of American Idol). So find time for exercise. Schedule it into your cell phone or calendar just the same way you would schedule a meeting or social event. The human body is made to move - there are no quick fixes - you have to do the work.
Regarding food - if you have time to eat unhealthy, you have time to eat healthy. The key is planning ahead. If you know you're going to be on a long flight, pack a healthy snack ahead of time. Even just buying nuts at the airport stand is better than loading up on chips or a big, greasy pretzel - and it takes roughly the same amount of time.
Make healthier choices when you have to eat out. Select restaurants which offer real food. Monitor your portion sizes. If you are super busy during the week, block one hour of time every Sunday to go grocery shopping; stock up on fresh produce and lean meats. It doesn’t take much time to make healthy snacks and meals. You can find many healthy fast meals on line or invest in some good cookbooks.
Too Tired
You are tired most of the time, so you can’t even begin to think about pushing your body further?
Actually, a walk may be better than a nap for boosting energy and fighting fatigue. New research suggests regular exercise can increase energy levels even among people suffering from chronic medical conditions associated with fatigue, like cancer and heart disease. It may seem counterintuitive, but researchers say expending energy by engaging in regular exercise may pay off with increased energy in the long run.
Tired most of the time? You may require some adjustments to your food intake. Contact one of ORC’s Holistic Nutritionists for some easy adjustments to your intake routine.
Injured
Is pain, soreness and mobility a factor? This would depend on the injury, but often with an upper or lower body issue there are still options.
Seek professional advice first, but injuries can be worked around. You could have an appropriate program developed for you; no need to sit on the couch with a tennis elbow injury etc. Isolated strength training can reduce body pains in other parts of your body.
Too Old
No you aren’t! Almost no one is too old or too frail to work out.
Exercise can help stave off stagnation and muscle loss. It helps to prevents falls and assists circulation, not to mention the mental and emotional benefits. It may help to find a trainer who has experience with older folks; a program can be designed for your specific needs and goals.
Too Expensive
Select activities that fit your budget; if in a crunch, just go outside. There are many activities at ORC which are inclusive to your membership: group classes, the gym, plus fitness programming and nutritional consulting. Consider fitness as a continuation of you life insurance policy. You have to have home, car, liability, insurance, etc; if you take care of your body you will not need insurance, right?
I Hate Going it Alone
You don’t have to. Find an exercise buddy, you may be motivated to work harder, and not to mention motivated to simply show up. Join a group fitness class; its better in group!
I'm Not in Good Enough Shape
Many have this backwards; you don’t have to be fit in order to exercise and come to the gym or class to get in shape. What sense does that make?
That said, we were not born with the manual on how to work all the machines, and we don’t know to know all the movements we will use in classes. This is what we have amazing fitness professionals at the club to guide you through. We are excited to help you!
We don’t stop exercising because we get old… We get old because we stop exercising.
