No More Excuses!

Despite the best of intentions, investing in the latest workout gear and making regular payments on our gym memberships, all too often we fall victim to the same obstacle – EXCUSES. 2007 is the year to start afresh, make the change and stop allowing excuses to get in the way of your goals.

Listed below are the most common excuses for not going to the gym. We’ll discuss each of them and see how being active, focused and motivated will help you achieve your goals no matter the excuse. Read on and start your way to success, accept nothing else!

Excuse #1 – “I have no time”

While many of us live very busy, demanding lives, it is important for us to MAKE THE TIME to take proper care of our bodies. While we’re being so busy making a better life for ourselves, we may be cheating ourselves of our ability to enjoy that life by neglecting our health. The problem with this excuse stems from the belief that working out is something we do when we have free time . To fight this obstacle we have to change our thinking. Fact: Our bodies are designed to take on much more physical activity then we accomplish daily. It’s also fact that our sedentary lifestyles and rich foods have contributed to serious health problems like obesity, heart disease and strokes. We make time to eat, sleep, work and even to get a hair cut because we NEED to; it is clear that we NEED to make time to exercise because we NEED to exercise. Another problem associated with not making time to exercise is the belief that exercise is a pleasure-less chore. Let’s reconsider the fact that our bodies are designed to be physically active. Is eating and sleeping or even breathing a pleasure-less chore? Absolutely not! Whenever we have a physical need met, we often take great pleasure in it. The same is true of exercise. As we continue a regular workout routine, we benefit greatly not only in our body’s ability and strength but also in our mental clarity and mood. So now that we know our body needs and enjoys exercise, how do we make the time? My suggestion is that you make a habit of exercising at the start of your day. Make you your first priority everyday. Rather than tire you out, working out properly at the begining of your day will leave you energized and focused and more willing and able to survive the demands of your day and will even help you sleep better. Working out in the morning is a great way to spend quality time with yourself before the rest of the world can get to you. You are much less likely to have the excuse of being too tired, being drained, having to stay late at work, etc …if you take time for you first!

Excuse #2 – “I am too tired”

Most often when we are tired, it’s at the end of the day. We either ate wrong or have some sort of stress in our lives. Leaving yourself last for the end of the day to workout can work against you because our energy levels and frame of mind are affected by our day. Rather than taking a chance, take time for yourself first thing in the morning. If you choose to leave it for the end of the day, evaluate your eating habits and ensure that you eat foods that don’t bog you down. If you are serious in taking time out for yourself and having enough time to do so after a long day’s of work, then you will ensure that what you eat and how you eat will not bog you down. My rule to myself is if any food makes me tired, I will be sure not to eat it again or eat it at that time or order because I need my energy to live life, not sleep it off.

Excuse #3 – “I am too stressed”

It’s a good excuse, but it’s an even better motivation to workout. Evaluate your stress, is it controllable or avoidable? Stress is a part of life. How we react to stress depends on our attitude towards ourselves and life. Regardless of the type of stress that comes to us, our reaction to stress and our ability to deal with it or avoid it directly relates to how well we take care of ourselves. Take care of yourself first! If you find that your life is stressful, exercise is the ‘time-out’ you need to vent, to refocus, and to get inspired so that you can return to your life feeling refreshed, accomplished and ready to tackle more tasks.

Excuse #4 – “I have to work late ”

Well, we don’t know what will come of our day. So rather than taking the chance for an excuse like this one, again, you should make it a priority to start the day with taking care of yourself first. “So don’t sleep in so late and get to the gym! NEXT! ”

Excuse #5 – “I will do it tomorrow…I will start tomorrow…I will start Monday! ”

Ah procrastination! How lovely to have the luxury of having the good intention but saving it for a better time. There is no better time. Accomplishing your goals requires action not daydreams. If you catch yourself putting something off remember that you’ve given up on today. I know it sounds harsh but that is the reality of it. Don’t give up on yourself. The hardest part about commiting to exercise is getting there. I dare you to make this excuse once you hit the gym. If you find yourself making this excuse, do yourself a favor…get yourself in your gym gear, get yourself to the gym and then make this excuse! Once you are there, then try making this excuse. With the gym energy surrounding you, chances are you are most likely not going to leave the gym without working out. The hardest part of this excuse is getting your butt out that door and making your way to the gym. Once you are there, everything else will fall into place. The chances of you turning around once you’re there are less likely.

Excuse #6 – “I keep missing my workouts, I’m a failure, what’s the point? ”

Don’t give up! Dwelling on past mistakes does not help you accomplish what you need to now. In fact, focusing on your failures can rob you of your present opportunities to succeed. So you fell off the wagon…it’s not the end of the world and it’s not forever! As Dr Phil says, “Do not let all-or-nothing-thinking hold you back!” Just because you didn’t go yesterday or didn’t go last week, does not mean that you cannot go today. Pick yourself back up and try again. Keep doing this until you get it straight.

Excuse #7, 8, 9, 10 or more!

More excuses? Then you are AN EXCUSE QUEEN! Come on now, who is kidding who? Are you really serious about living a healthier, happier, more successful life? If you are still making excuses, then you must really not care to or want to workout. If that’s the case, face it, accept why you are not where you want to be and find your health and ability diminish until you find yourself a sad, lonely, lump with barely the strength to cry! Excuses come from lack of a desire. Reevaluate how much your fitness goals means to you. The only way that you will achieve your goals is to convince yourself that you will accept nothing less. In order to stick to a goal, we have to have a burning desire to achieve it. Believe in your goals, believe in yourself and act!

Every month Anna Wong, personal fitness trainer to the stars, will be writing a column for Asiance Magazine. This column is dedicated to your questions and concerns in health and fitness. Your suggestions and requests are welcome. This column is for you so your feedback is important. To contact Anna, email her at anna@annawongfitness.com.

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