Stop Making Excuses and Start Working Out
If you’re like most people, you know about the virtually endless benefits of regular exercise. Working out can make you feel better, look better, sleep better, have more energy, and reduce your risk for diseases.
Despite these facts, only about a quarter of adults in the U.S. get the minimum recommended amount of exercise (about 20 minutes a day). Even when you know something is good for you, it’s easy to come up with reasons why you can’t get it done.
Does this sound like you? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to start working out when nothing seems to stick.
Excuse #1: I’m Too Busy
Maybe you’ve got a demanding job, kids who keep you on the run, home renovations, nonstop appointments, or all of the above. In actuality, people who say they don’t have enough time to work out typically are just choosing not to make the time. Our advice? Put your workouts on your calendar like you would any other important appointment. Prioritize them the same way you would a meeting with your boss. You wouldn't cancel at the last minute, would you? Commit to showing up for yourself.
Excuse #2: I’m Too Tired
The thought of exercising might make you feel exhausted, but working out usually has the opposite effect. Physical activity can provide you with a boost of energy and help you sleep better.
Sometimes, getting into your workout gear and beginning a sweat session can feel like a chore. However, once your heart gets pumping and you experience a jolt of that feel-good serotonin, your mood and energy level start to transform. Even a brisk walk or a quick yoga session can provide these energizing effects.
Excuse #3: I’m Not Seeing Results
The word “results” can mean different things. Do you want to lose weight, have more energy, increase muscle mass, or get cholesterol in check? If so, you might be impatient waiting to see the fruits of your labor.
According to SELF magazine, there are a variety of things you can do if you’re not seeing your desired results. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and prioritize rest days. Also, try mixing up your workouts. Doing the same thing every day is a surefire way to hit a plateau. If your goals involve weight loss or whole-body health, consider making diet changes, including adding whole foods and watching portion sizes.
Excuse #4: I Can’t Find a Workout I Enjoy
A common reason people don’t work out is that they can’t find an activity they enjoy. The physical and mental benefits of exercise should, in theory, be enough to get you off the couch. And yet, if you don’t like it, you probably won’t stick to it. The key is to find a workout you look forward to. Keep trying different workouts, from yoga, dance and swimming to racquetball, HIIT and powerlifting, until you find something that fits.
Excuse #5: Gyms Aren’t My Thing
Commuting to a gym might turn you off from working out. The hassle of driving, changing, and lugging shower gear may feel like too much work. Luckily, you don’t have to leave your house to get a solid workout. The MYXfitness home system offers commercial-grade fitness equipment and a substantial range of workouts. The system also provides you with access to personalized coaching, results-driven heart rate zone training, and cross-training for a comprehensive fitness regime in the comfort of your own home.
