MedlinePlus recommends at least 30 minutes of physical exercise 5 days a week, but the National Center for Health Statistics says that 39% of people spend no leisure time in physical activity. Okay, so what's holding you back? I'm sure you've got your excuses, so let's take on those lame reasons.
10. I Don't Have Anything to Wear. Working out is not about being the Paris Hilton or Matthew McConaughey of the gym. Some people may have color-coordinated clothing right down to their MP3 case, but you're here for your health, not to walk the runway. Pull out the old shorts and the fading T-shirt with the holes in the armpits and get to work.
9. The Gym Is Too Far Away. Why did you pick a gym nine miles away? Find a closer one or find a way to carpool there. Also, there are any number of easy exercises that you can do in your home (yoga) or around it (jogging).
8. I'll Miss My Favorite Show. Oh come on. Isn't that what TiVo is for? Plus, you can't have a favorite show on every night of the week.
7. I Have No Energy. Maybe that energy low after 9 cups of coffee has got you in a funk. It's probably time to take a good look at your diet. And, of course, your schedule may be bursting with appointments, soccer practices, and those annoying association meetings. Consider lightening the load to free up time and energy. Even if you can't do that, there are still plenty of good 20 minute workout routines that can be squeezed in for the morning or lunch time periods.
6. I Don't Know What I Should Do. Through the beauty of the Internet, you can easily find information on exercises (check out our Easy Exercise swicki if you like). You can also find a personal trainer. Whatever you go with, start out slow to build up confidence. That flat tummy won't show up over night.
5. My iPod Broke. Seriously now, people can work out without music. It may even help you to better train your focus without having the music. You did put the batteries in the right way, didn't you?
4. It Hurts. I am currently refraining from calling you a big sissy. Practically speaking, working out should never hurt. There's a big difference between working your muscles and hurting your body. If you have a lot of joint issues, perhaps you should look into yoga, Pilates, or swimming, which are relatively gentle on the body. Definitely touch base with a physical therapist or doctor if you have persistent pain in your exercises.
3. I Don't Like Being Sweaty. You gotta earn it, and sweat is the currency your body cashes. Just bring a towel if you perspire a lot; you won't be alone.
2. My Ex Goes to the Same Gym. So, you've been using the gym to scope out dates, huh? Well, you've made your bed, so it's time to lie in it. Heck a bad break up can be good motivation to work out harder and let that someone see what they're missing out on (or will be missing out on if you're still working on getting the body you want).
1. I'm Too Busy. Oh who isn't busy now-a-days? You've got 1,400 minutes a day. You most certainly have time for a half hour of exercise. And at last check, you can't trade in your body at the 50,000 mile mark, so you better keep this one in good shape.
Exercise isn't always easy, but it doesn't have to be hard. Find something you enjoy doing and work up from there. It's all about building a little confidence and realizing that exercise can be rewarding if not even a little bit fun.
Comments (3)
This article is awesome!
10: If you do it right, you'll look like hell and stink anyway, so who cares what you're wearing?
9: Then get a bike, ride there, and you've nailed your cardio already!
8: I'll call this one valid, actually. Buy yourself one of those rubber torture balls for pilates or whatever and sit on it, back nice and straight, throughout your favorite show. Then go to the gym after.
7. You have no energy because you aren't working our enough, duh!
6. WORK OUT. That's what you should do.
5. Serves you right for buying an Ipod. Get a Zen player next time, and until then, listen to the crap they play at the gym.
4. I'm not refraining -- you're a sissy. If you are hurting, then you're either doing it wrong, or not enough. Even when I take the occasional extended break from the gym, only the first workout really leads to any real soreness. Once you get into a routine, you will not be sore.
3. Do you like being out of shape? Sweaty is much sexier than out of shape.
2. Make your ex look bad by looking better. And stop dating people from the gym; they're eye candy, not dating material.
1. You're too LAZY. Learn how to set priorities, and make your health the first, or possibly second if your first is "spending time with my family."
Posted by Ryan | April 4, 2008 11:05 PM
Posted on April 4, 2008 23:05
Thanks for your comments, Ryan. I like your idea about biking to the gym. You get a warm up and cardio work out if you want. Then, on the way home, you get a cool down (unless you have to go uphill like I do).
Posted by James | April 7, 2008 9:46 AM
Posted on April 7, 2008 09:46
I like the hardcore Army crack-commando attitude in the list!
Posted by Davey Boyd | April 27, 2008 3:44 PM
Posted on April 27, 2008 15:44