I stole this from a book title that I read after my own brain surgery a few years ago. Actually, 7 years Saturday to be exact.
My surgery was a time in my life when anxiety and depression started to take over. It's easy to feel overwhelmed after the birth of a new baby and a major, life-changing operation. However, one of the best pieces of advice my neurosurgeon gave me was a few weeks after the surgery when I was feeling REALLY bad. Cognitively, I was still pretty fuzzy, and mentally and emotionally I was a wreck. That day he told me to walk briskly for 20 to 30 minutes every day. I took his advice, but only half-heartedly and continued to have problems off and on... well... for about 5 years. What I failed to realize is that my EXCUSE actually should have been my motivation to do something for myself. These days, I can pick about just about any excuse that you can throw at me, so that is my focus for today.
1) "I don't have time" -- I was the QUEEN of this excuse, before I had the brain surgery thing. We all have burdens on our time. Work, school, kids, spouses, volunteering, they are ENDLESS. However, many, many busy folks have the same 24 hours in the day that you do. They are just creative about MAKING time. This is critical -- make an appointment, with yourself, to do something that will make you feel better, give you energy, and SAVE you time in the long run. Work out before your kids get up, or after they go to bed. I feel that the best time is in the morning because life does happen. Your golden opportunity for the least amount of other excuses is first thing. The only thing you have to battle is getting out of bed. ;) Just remember when you say that you don't have time, if your health gets out of control, instead you'll have to MAKE time for doctor's appointments. And you may LOSE time in your life by being unhealthy.
Save time by skipping the gym - it takes much longer to trek to the gym, get into a locker, wait for equipment to be available, etc. So.... work out at home. In some cases, you could be done with your workout before you'd even arrive at a gym. Many at-home programs are available. Check out my favorites under the "Tools for Transformation" tab, use your cable company's "On Demand" exercise channel feature, or just go old school and run, do jumping jacks, push ups, lift dumbbells (or your kids). You'll also save money, especially with gas prices over $4 a gallon.
2) "I'm too tired" -- This is an interesting paradox. Exercise has been proven time and time again to IMPROVE energy levels and fight fatigue. This may be something as simple as the endorphins being released and telling your body that you aren't tired. The exact science isn't necessary for us to understand, just knowing that it works is important here. http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20061103/exercise-fights-fatigue-boosts-energy
3) "I'm just not in the mood" -- Give yourself 10 minutes. If you still aren't "in the mood", then go ahead and skip your workout. But odds are, once you've focused your energy on your workout and start to experience your brain chemistry being changed by the physical activity... you'll forget why you weren't in the mood in the first place. Positive self talk is necessary to keep your motivation. Sometimes it's necessary to play a little trick on yourself. You will thank YOU later.
4) "It hurts" -- you should experience some mild discomfort when you are working out. Especially if you have never worked out before, or you have been away from your fitness routine for a long time. Building and working muscles actually causes tiny tears in the tissue. This is an anticipated result. You can minimize pain by warming up before doing strenuous exercise and stretching (it is more important to stretch immediately after a warm up period, and stretching after helps to increase flexibility).
If you have had previous injuries it is important to modify exercises to prevent damage to the joints. Almost any exercise can be modified. If you need tips on how, drop me a line.
6) "Exercise is boring" -- this is an easy one. There are unlimited options for exercise. In the gym, home programs, doing every day activities, sports training, and the list goes on. About the time that you do tire... change up your routine! Getting a new program can also help to introduce a kind of muscle confusion that will help to break through plateaus.
7) "I never stick to a program" -- Start small and build. Try to exercise 2 or 3 times a week and then as your strength and energy improve, continue to add to your activity level. Find a buddy. Online, in person, over the phone, having a friend helps to increase accountability and encouragement and improve outcomes. You may not stick to it for excuse #6... so when you get bored, change things up!
8) "I'll never look as good as, be as strong as, -- insert person here --" -- WHO CARES!!! Setting goals for yourself and attaining them, will give you a sense of accomplishment regardless of what your starting point is. Comparing yourself to others and starting with unrealistic expectations will set you up for failure right away. And you are worth much more than that.
In closing, just remember that a lot of these excuses are more about your own self worth. You need to make YOU a priority in your life. Once you start taking care of yourself, you'll be amazed how a healthier you will improve the other facets of your life.
Soooooooo..... what's your excuse? If you have one not listed here, I'd LOVE to hear it.
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