Tips for success. No excuses
I have been a personal trainer for eight years and during this time, plenty of excuses have crossed my path as to why someone hasn’t been able to exercise or eat well. Sure, some of these are valid reasons – emergencies, illness, urgent work deadlines. But for many, making excuses is what’s holding them back from being fit, healthy and losing weight.
We all make excuses from time to time. Why? Because excuses are easy. Getting in and doing the work and staying committed is hard! But if you really want something you have to stop making excuses and take action!
Below is a list of the most common excuses I have come across and some (tough) advice for overcoming them.
I don’t have time
All we have is time! Look at what you are actually spending your time on and eliminate unnecessary things from your schedule. We’re all busy, but that’s no reason not to exercise. Reassess your priorities. If your health is not one of your top priorities, you won’t make time for it. Make it a priority. Plan meals ahead of time and set yourself a weekly exercise schedule. Remember exercising even for 15 minutes a day is better than doing nothing (and you can do some tough workouts in 15 minutes!). Simply get up 15 minutes earlier or stay up later.
I don’t have any support at home or anyone to help me
Support is great if you can get it, but it isn’t essential. You’ll probably find though, that people around you will become more supportive once they see first hand the effort you’re putting in (and who knows, they might join you!). But don’t rely on others to get started.
Once you get started, you will find other means of support anyway, members of the same gym, a weight loss forum, walking group etc. If you stay committed you will find a supportive community.
Obviously you can also hire a personal trainer to help you get you started and keep you on track. But don’t confuse help with doing the work for you. At the end of the day it is what YOU do that will determine YOUR success. Paying for personal training doesn’t give you the results. Putting in the work will.
I’m injured
Injuries and ailments happen. The key is to find ways of working around them. If you’ve injured your upper body, work your lower body. If you can’t run, walk or cycle. Find something you can do. Also, injuries are not an excuse to eat poorly, so don’t take out your injury frustrations through unhealthy/binge eating!
I’m too tired
Everyone is tired. Most people are busy and find themselves exhausted by the end of the day. The truth is, exercise will increase your energy levels. If you lead a busy lifestyle and add exercise on top, you will feel more tired to begin with, but after a few weeks your body will adjust and you’ll have more energy! Exercising will also help you get better quality sleep and cope with life’s challenges.
I’m too old
You are never too old. Period. I have clients in their 70’s who have started exercise regimes for the first time. It’s never too late to work on your health.
I might fail
Losing weight and being healthy is not an event. It’s a process. Focus on the journey.
I’ll start tomorrow
Really? Will you really start tomorrow? Do not use delay tactics. Start today. You don’t have to do anything drastic. Start by going for a short walk at lunchtime or after work. Choose a healthy snack this afternoon instead of a treat. Start small, but start today.
I hate exercise
If you have never been active, or haven’t been active for a long time, you most likely won’t find exercise fun. It will be hard, you will feel uncomfortable, it will cause you stress, but no one said lifestyle changes were easy. Get in there and do the work. But exercise doesn’t need to be torture. There are plenty of ways to be active and it doesn’t mean you have to join a gym – go walking, play tennis, take dance classes. Look for something you enjoy or at least makes you feel good once you’ve finished!
I can’t get motivated
People often ask me how I stay motivated with my training, and to be honest with you, there are plenty of times when I am not motivated. I just do it. It’s in my schedule, I have a plan and I stick to it. There are days where the last thing I want to do is do my own training, but I do it, and I feel great for doing it (afterwards). Exercising is rewarding. It may not feel like it at the time, but afterwards it will. And there is nothing as good as being healthy and strong feels!
I also have a training partner. For me, that can keep me pushing me through the tough times. Being around like-minded people can keep you focused, even when you’re not motivated!
For many people trying to lead a healthier lifestyle, making excuses not to exercise or modify their eating habits is often their greatest barrier to success. Stop it. It won’t get you anywhere. To be a healthier you, you have to work at it. Do not make excuses.