FoxyBody Articles

No Excuses Please!
Christie Dombrowski, AFPA

Finding a reason to skip your workout isn't very hard. There is always a child who needs help with homework, a floor that needs mopping or a traffic jam that throws your whole schedule off. The key to overcoming these hurdles is more than just planning, but becoming a solution oriented person. Stop focusing on the problem and find ways to overcome them. Here are the top five excuses I hear from my clients and a few simple solutions.

Excuse #1: I don’t have enough time.
We are all given 24 hours in a day. Where are you spending them? Download a free spreadsheet online and track where your time is going. I like to color code mine to see at a glance where I am devoting my energy. If your main goals, values and aspirations are not being reached you can clearly see why.

Excuse #2: I don't have money to join a gym.
Push-ups, wall sits, crunches and lunges are just a few of the exercises that you can do at home without any equipment. Search for workouts online and you will find a wealth of information. Just make sure you are getting information from a credible, educated and preferably nationally certified source.

Excuse #3: The kids need my attention.
What a better way to teach them how to take care of their bodies that to be a living example. Your kids ultimately want to be just like you so strive to be your best. Get outside and play an active game of tag or hide and seek. You will be burning calories and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Excuse #4: There is housework to be done.
Almost all housework requires you moving your body, correct? Be conscious every movement and think about how you can make the task more of an exercise. Move faster or multi-task from room to room. Not only will you get more done in less time, but you will be accumulating minutes of exercise in the process.

Excuse #5: I’m just too tired.
When are you trying to fit in a workout? If it’s the end of the day when you are exhausted you make need to plan for another time slot. Look at your schedule and create a Plan A and a Plan B. Most days don’t go completely on schedule so plan for disruptions. Sometimes I plan to work out in the morning and I just don’t feel like it. I give myself a choice, but if I choose to pass on the morning workout I know that I have to fit it in before my head hits the pillow.

The bottom line is that if staying healthy or losing weight is on the top of your priority list you are going to have to make some time in your day to work towards your goals. There is always going to be something left on your to-do list, but don’t let it be YOU every time.