Top Excuses for Skipping a Fitness Workout

Written by Jeff Behar and Lynn Glenn

Some people like working out, but let’s face it even the most energetic people sometime feel like skipping a workout. The following are some of the most common excuses for missing a fitness workout. Are any familiar to you?

Most Common Excuses for Missing a Fitness Workout

• No clothes. I don’t have any clothes to wear to workout in. You’re here for your health, not to walk the runway. Pull out the old pair of shorts and the fading T-shirt and get going.
• No energy. I don’t have enough energy to workout. It’s time to take a good look at your sleeping, dietary and workout habits. You need at least seven to eight hours of sleep at night, you also need to get quality calories from nutritious foods and beverages and check your workout frequency; overtraining symptoms include lethargy. Exercise has been shown to increase energy levels and leave people feeling better about themselves and more energized.
• No clue I don’t know what workout I should do. Through Internet you can easily find information on fitness workouts. Go and buy a fitness magazine, ask a friend who workouts regularly for some workout tips, or hire a personal trainer.
• No pain. I hurt when working out. Working out should never hurt. There’s a difference between working your muscles and hurting your body. If you have a lot of joint issues, you can look at alternative types of workouts like yoga, walking, Pilates, or swimming, which are relatively gentle on the body. You should not discontinue exercising altogether, but do lower intensity training to maintain fitness.
• No way. Working out is too hard. Fitness workouts don’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 workouts can be rewarding.
• No time. I’m too busy to workout. You can find at least 30 minutes to work out during your day. If your schedule is filled with important meetings, chores, appointments etc. There are plenty of good efficient workout routines you can squeeze into your schedule in the morning or at lunch.
• Not close. The gym is too far away for my workouts. Even if you can’t get to the gym to workout every day, you can still get in great shape by working out at home. Buy a set of dumbbells and some resistance bands. Stability balls are another great piece of exercise equipment. Home cardio workout only requires a good pair of running shoes, a jump rope, or even bike.
• No commitment. I can’t make the commitment to stick to a workout routine. Looking at exercise in the long term it can be overwhelming. Start with small goals, such as to be more active every day by taking the stairs and moving around more. Decide you’ll get up 10 minutes early to walk or lift weights. Over time, you can increase your workout time and try new things. For now, just worry about making it a daily habit.
• No training partner. Many people use the excuse of a lack of a partner for not going to the gym, or use the excuse when their training partner misses, they skip too. Do not let other people choose your destiny with your progress. The gym should be for you, so do not let others create obstacles or deter you from your goals regarding fitness.
• No motivation. I can’t seem to stay motivated to continue working out. If you’re tired, stressed or bored with your workouts, it’s hard to keep going. To combat that, change your workout routine every 4 to 6 weeks by trying something new or changing your workout intensity or time. Remind yourself every day what your goals are and what you have to do to reach them.
• Have to work late. If you are consistently working late, then get up early and grab a workout BEFORE work.
• No freakin way. My Ex works out at the same gym. A bad break up can be good motivation to workout harder and let that someone see what they’re missing out on.

Bottom Line on Missing Workouts

There are many other excuses not to exercise such as it’s too hot, too cold, it’s raining, I feel a little sore, I feel a little run down, I will do it tomorrow, next Monday or next year. But there are many good reasons to exercise and you can start where you are right now. It all starts in your mind.

About the Author, Jeff Behar

Jeff Behar, MS, MBA is a recognized health, fitness and nutrition expert, regularly writing about hot topics in the areas of health, fitness, disease prevention, weight loss, nutrition, anti aging and alternative medicine. Jeff Behar’s work also often appears in several of the major health and fitness newsletters, health and fitness magazines, and on major health, fitness and weight loss websites. Jeff Behar is also the CEO of MuscleMagFitness.com, and MyBestHealthPortal.com; two very popular health, fitness, disease prevention, weight loss, nutrition and anti aging information sites.