Motivation

Top Ten Excuses not to Exercise

Personal Trainer Neilson Pitamber shares his ten tips on moving past the most popular excuses we tell ourselves to get out of a workout:

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1. I don’t have time: If you’ve got time to watch TV or to browse online, then you’ve got time to exercise. An effective workout can be as quick as 30 minutes; schedule it in your daily diary to help you stick to it.

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2. I can’t afford it: If you can afford to drink alcohol or eat out, then you can afford a personal trainer. If you can’t afford a personal trainer then there are gyms that cost as little as £16 per month or you can go running or cycling for free. There are loads of inspirational bodyweight workouts you can find on the internet; checkout BodyRockTV and Bar-Community.com on Facebook.

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3. I’m too tired: The reason you feel tired is because you are out of shape! When you get fit, you have more energy and sleep better.

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4. I’m too old: You’re never too old to start. In fact weight training is extremely important for older people to prevent muscle wastage and particularly for women to prevent osteoporosis. 60% of people over 60 can’t stand up un-aided, exercise helps prevent this, keeping you strong and coordinated and preventing injuries and falls.

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5. I hate gyms: Then train outside for free, or use a personal trainer in a private studio.

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Photo by George Pagan III on Unsplash

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6. It’s boring: Variety is key. Vary your activities with things you like doing too, for example swimming, dancing, walking, running, cycling or martial arts.

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7. I don’t want to get bulky: This is an excuse for a lot of women. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of women are not capable of getting bulky no matter how much they train. Think of it like baking bread. The bread is the muscle and the yeast is the testosterone needed in order for the bread to rise. Women simply don’t have anywhere near the amount of testosterone that men do.

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8. My back hurts: Building strength in the back and core, i.e. not just the abs, is the number one best way to helping and preventing back pain.

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9. I’m too fat, I need to get fit before I start exercise: This has to be the oddest excuse! Basically you’re telling yourself you need to get fit before you can start the activities you need to do to get fit – it doesn’t make sense! If you’re anxious about your cardio stamina, weight training is low impact and is also a very effective way of burning fat and building muscle which will, in turn, burn fat all day long. Just start from where you are. Join a fitness class, the gym, a personal trainer and simply go in at your own level and pace, have breaks if you need to, use the activity to enjoy yourself, learn skills and get fit all at the same time.

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10. I don’t have the right kit: You don’t need to spend loads of cash on expensive equipment or clothes to get started. Do make sure you have the right running shoes to avoid injury.

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Originally published by SportsShoes.com at http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/08/31/fitness-top-10-excuses-not-to-exercise_n_1846377.html

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Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.