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When starting a new fitness or nutrition program, people often come up with various excuses to avoid committing to their health goals. Even if you start strong, soon enough those excuses will start creeping in. It's 100% normal, just about everyone has experienced this and there's a good reason why.
Excuses are real! I'll go as far as saying they are even valid! That DOESN'T mean you have to let them stop you! Excuses only run the show if we allow them to.
Let's look at a list of the 10 most common excuses I encounter, and how I help people work through them to see that even if those things exist... you can still show up for yourself.
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"I just don't have enough time"
Work, family, and other responsibilities can leave us feeling like we're utilizing every waking moment. Spoiler... we're not. When this one shows up, I ask people to run through a little exercise with me. I ask them to honestly look at and write down all the times throughout the day they actually aren't doing anything. Often we are able to find a solid 30-60 minutes each day that they could be dedicating to their goals. Even if we find 10 minutes... it can work to your advantage. -
"I'm soooo tired"
Fatigue is real. I think it's safe to say that most of us are doing "too much" without getting enough sleep or recovery. You know what helps with that? Exercise! Yes there may be a period of adjustment where you'll be even more tired, but the more you exercise, the better you'll sleep and soon you'll start gaining more energy than you know what to do with! -
"I have so much going on this week/month... I'll start tomorrow/next week/next month"
I've got a truth bomb for you... there will NEVER be a perfect time to start! Life will always get in the way, throw you curve balls and attempt to derail your progress. Starting now is the only way to make yourself a true priority. -
"It's too expensive"
Much like the exercise I do around time, this is another one that's pretty easy to overcome. If you take time to truly track your spending, you will soon find how much money you actually waste AND how some of that money spent may even be keeping you in a bad spot (cocktails, too much eating out, Starbucks sugar bombs with extra whipped cream). Besides, NOTHING is more expensive than poor health in the long run. It can truly cost you your life. -
"I can't give up my favorite foods"
Any exercise program or diet that asks you to give up your favorite foods entirely is completely unsustainable and should be avoided. Sure, to reach your goals you may have to cut back on some things and temporarily abstain from things here and there. But being healthy is all about balance, and that includes enjoying what you love in life and making choices that support your goals. -
"Exercise is boring"
Ok just to toot my own horn here for a bit, but if this is your excuse... I promise you haven't tried CrossFit or worked out with us at Chalkline. Exercise is only boring if you do boring workouts. If you can find a tribe of people you enjoy and workouts that challenge you AND make you smile, I promise you will have more fun than you ever thought possible! -
"I've tried everything, nothing works long term"
Revisiting #5, life is about balance. To be your best and healthiest, fittest self you have to consistently do the things that keep you fit and healthy. You can't have a short term mentality or you will get short term (or no) results. Proper nutrition, exercise and knowing what your body needs are life-long habit that will serve you well if you stay with it. You can't expect them to work if you abandon them! -
"I don't need to lose weight"
Weight loss isn't the only reason to eat well and work out. There is much more to being "healthy" than the number on the scale. Avoiding preventable diseases, improving cardiovascular health, stamina, endurance, having the strength to do the things you need/want to do in life are all reasons for good nutrition and exercise. Stable body weight and being in "good shape" aren't guaranteed to stick around forever -
"I have a medical condition"
ALL THE MORE REASON TO START NOW! In my 20 years in the fitness industry working with many different populations, I have seen very few conditions that aren't improved by exercise and balanced nutrition. Even less that completely preclude you from moving your body or improving your physical health. That doesn't mean they don't exist, it just means that there is almost always at least something you can do to improve your health, fitness and wellbeing. -
"I'm too old/young"
Nope... and nope. I remember years ago when my grandmother was in a nursing home and mostly confined to a wheelchair. She would complain about certain physical ailments and I would tell her to always do what she could. Even if it was lift two soup cans over her head! We are NEVER too old or too young to start and it will always benefit us to push ourselves to the best of our abilities (under the proper supervision of a trained professional)
It's important to recognize and validate whatever your excuses may be. Then you can take a hard look at whether they are true barriers or just reasons for giving yourself an "out". Taking small steps, seeking support, and setting realistic and attainable goals are sure fire ways to work through those excuses and get past any hurdles in your way.