We all have excuses, I'm no exception. One of my biggest challenges to getting healthy was working through my excuses and realizing that my goals were more important to me than anything else. Here are some of the biggest challenges we all face and why they shouldn't stand in your way!!
I don't have time.
This is still my biggest excuse.. 12 hour work days, getting up early, full schedules, getting home late.. we all suffer from this!! To make it worse there is always someone else to take care of: kids, dogs, husbands (I might regret that one) but you are a priority also! Once you realize that taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do to help everything else in your life get better, it becomes important. How many minutes/hours were you on facebook today? Watching tv? Staring at yourself in the mirror and wishing your body looked different? The key is to do quick, efficient exercise that you can fit into your routine, and make it a priority!! I don't have time to drive to the gym everyday, run 5 miles, do an hour long yoga class, take a spin class, lift weights, and then drive back home. But that doesn't mean I don't have time to get fit and healthy <3 I walk downstairs and PUSH PLAY. Thirty minutes later I'm done and in the shower. This works for me, but you need to figure out what works best for you.
"Someone busier than you are is working out right now"
I hate working out alone.
This one is tough, and I am so lucky that my loving husband (made up for earlier) is willing to workout with me, but not everyone is so lucky. I have made so many good friends through Beachbody who are always there to support me and know what I'm going through. They hold me accountable for working out, eating healthy, and staying positive. They have become like family! So find that someone who keeps you moving, and know that there are people out there who are willing to help!
"We are not perfect, but we are perfect together"
Exercise is so boring.
This was always one of my favorites, mostly because every article you read about is about getting out there and finding something that interests you. Do you like biking, hiking, swimming, playing baseball? Than that's the best way to work exorcise into your routine without being bored!! HUH! Which brings us back to my number one excuse, I don't have time for that! Yes, every now and again I like to mix it up, but finding some buddies for a pickup game at 7am on a Tuesday isn't always the most convenient form of exercise. That being said, it doesn't have to be boring either. There are so many different programs you can do at home in a short period of time that something has to spark an interest. Besides, it's 30 minutes! There are a lot of things that I have to do in life that I HATE (like weeding!!) but I pull up my big girl pants and do it because it has to be done.
"Don't wish for it, Work for it"
I have lower back pain / arthritis.
While I have never had to deal with this, I am a healthcare professional and can provide some insight. Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have a true medical condition, however strengthening, stretching, and aerobic exercises can build up muscles and remove strain from the joints. Exercise also helps keep off the excess weight that can cause pain. So moving HELPS!! Push through!!
I'm too fat/ I need to lose some weight first.
There may be no bigger myth in fitness than that which says you have to be in shape to start working out. WHAT?? Please go to teambeachbody.com and look at the before pictures! These people could barely get off the couch and walk to the tv when they started. You don't have to be and amazing athlete when you first begin, the important thing is that you begin. You get stronger everyday, and eventually will be able to do workouts and exercises you never thought you could do. It feels amazing!! And if your too embarrassed to go to the gym, then don't! Working out at home can be just as effective and getting a calorie burn how to lose the weight.
"Just be better than you were yesterday"
I'm thin already.
Skinny doesn't equal healthy. Exercise isn't all about getting skinny and looking good (although those are awesome side effects!) It's about a healthy body and a positive attitude about yourself.
I'm too tired to work out.
Exercise can be exhausting! Trust me, I know. But getting the blood pumping and muscles moving helps wake you up and increases your energy levels. Just give it a try, I feel more tired and stressed on days when I don't get my workouts in. I also drink my Shakeology everyday!! It gives me the energy that I need for my day and helps me lose weight at the same time: double win.
"Wake up with determination, go to bed with satisfaction"
The best way to battle excuses is to make exercise a habit. Choose a workout that fits your schedule and make it a priority!! I love the 21 day fix because it takes 21 days to form a habit!! It's workouts and an eating plan to start your healthy lifestyle, so don't wait another day! Set realistic goals, and don't give up on yourself! You are worth it. Get out there and kick butt.. and if you need some help/motivation/a kick in the pants, let me know <3