6 COMMON EXCUSES AND HOW TO BUST THEM

Sticking to a regular exercise routine can be challenging. Many people struggle to make it to the gym or lose motivation along the way with a long list of excuses that inevitably involve time and schedule clashes.

Here are six common excuses and fool-proof way to bust them for good.

1. “I’m bombarded with family commitments.”

Time. If only we had more, right? Well guess what? We’re given the same amount – it’s just a matter of what you choose to do with it. Having no time, is by far the biggest barrier to fitness, but can be overcome with a few simple strategies.

Firstly, if you know your days are jam-packed and the evenings are just as mayhem, get up 30 minutes earlier a few times a week to go for a brisk walk or do a lounge room body weight circuit. Lastly, take every opportunity to move more through out the day by taking the stairs, going to bathroom on a different floor, or change the workplace meeting culture by instigating walking meetings with colleagues (best for small groups). Anything to offset the amount of sitting you do will reap health and fitness benefits.

2. “I’m just not seeing results.”

Don’t expect miraculous change after just a few sessions at the gym. The minimum amount of time to start seeing physical changes is at least 6 to 8 weeks, if you couple exercise with a balanced eating plan.

After just one gym session your blood pressure will be lower, your metabolism elevated, and you’ll notice a boost in mood and self-esteem. If you focus on “how fit feels,” you’ll make it a habit to enjoy being active much more and the outcome of your desired weight, shape or performance goal will happen in due course.

3. “I’m self conscious about the way I look.”

Most people at the gym are so consumed with their own routine, that they probably won’t notice the weight you’re lifting or how fast your cycling on the bike. So stop the self–doubt and comparing yourself to others. A good way to boost your self-confidence is to schedule gym visits during off-peak or seek advice from a gym instructor who can ensure you have the right techniques and motivate you to try new things.

Once you have mastered a few workouts and feel more at ease, you can experiment with new exercises and pushing your limits, both physically and mentally.

4. “I don’t know where to start.”

If gym jargon has you completely stumped, you’re not alone. All the equipment in the gym can seem daunting and if you don’t know how to use it correctly, it can lead to injury.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If it’s an option for you, book in a few personal training sessions so someone can guide you through a balanced program. Otherwise try some intro classes run on the gym floor, such as Freestyle Group Training, or specialised programs like Team Coaching to get your fitness off on the right foot.

5. “I’m afraid I’ll hurt myself.”

This one is easily avoided if you properly warm up and cool down during each session. The body needs time to transition from a resting state, so doing 5-10 minutes of walking or light jogging, stretching or mobility exercises will ensure your muscles are warm and prepared.

6. “It’s cold and raining outside, I can’t be bothered.”

The weather can be a big barrier if you prefer to exercise outdoors, hence why you need a backup plan. On hot days, schedule your workouts during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning, or workout indoors in wet or cold weather. A simple body weight circuit of push-ups, squats, tricep dips, lunges, and back extensions hit all the major muscle groups of your body and can be done anytime, anywhere.