There are plenty of reasons why you should exercise regularly, and even more, articles dedicated to the topic. So in this article, we’re going to focus on the excuses people give for not exercising.
I Don’t Have Time
This is by far the most common excuse we hear, and it’s really just code for “I can’t be bothered”. I’m yet to meet somebody who actually didn’t have time to squeeze in some form of exercise. If your gym is too far away, then find a closer one. Or find a gym near your work and do 20 minutes of cardio on your lunch break.
Exercising makes people more productive and happier, and sport can be great for team building – use this to convince your boss to incorporate some kind of exercise into the workday. It doesn’t have to be 30 minutes of calisthenics first thing in the morning like they do in Japan; you could suggest playing football or squash against teams from other departments. Or even play with your business contacts.
One of the best ways to get some exercise without it cutting into your day is to incorporate it into your normal routine – cycle to work instead of driving and take the stairs instead of the lift. Whilst this may seem insignificant, some exercise is better than no exercise.
I Can’t Afford It
Gym memberships can be expensive, and we understand that for some people it just isn’t in the budget. But going to the gym isn’t the be all and end all of exercising – there are plenty of things you can do for free (or cheap). Jogging and Cycling (if you have a bike) are two great examples of free cardio. You can also work out at home by doing press ups, crunches and bench dips or turn your exercise into a social event by getting together with friends in the park to kick a ball around or even run your own fitness boot camp.
I’m Not Fat / I Don’t Need to Lose Weight
This is a weird one. Some people are under the misconception that you only need to exercise if you’re overweight. But there are plenty of reasons to exercise that don’t involve shifting extra pounds. Regular exercise will keep your heart and lungs healthy, make you live longer (unless you get hit by a bus on the way to the gym) and, as mentioned earlier in the article, actually make you more productive.
Running Hurts My Knees
Then don’t run –there are plenty of other forms of aerobic exercise you can do that don’t involve pounding pavement or spending hours on the treadmill. Try swimming.
I Have A Hangover
The gym might seem like the last place you want to be the morning after a night of overindulgence, but it can actually be a good hangover cure once you get over the initial discomfort. Just remember to drink lots of water.
Work… Work is so often the demon that people will use and will be in the way of preventing people from taking the necessary healthy exercise. This is very damaging when you consider what bad being sat down can do to people. Its so important that people are flexing themselves during the day and on the move.