We’ve all heard, and most of us have used, a lot of excuses to not start a fitness program to drop the extra weight.  Of all of the excuses I’ve heard, I can’t think of a single one that is valid.   My wife tells me regularly that I am harder on others that are overweight since I lost weight.  I tell her it is because I KNOW they can do it, too, once the excuses stop.

Granted, there are some valid reasons why a person cannot start a fitness program such as medical reasons but we all know the invalid excuses when we hear them.  I do believe that in many cases, the person making the excuse actually believes they absolutely can’t workout or lose weight.  There are many reasons why people make excuses but, in my opinion, much of it is due to the abundance of misinformation about fitness and nutrition as well as a society full of enablers.

Here are some of the common excuses I’ve heard, some of I’ve even used, and why I feel they are not valid.

“I just don’t have the time!”

This is probably the most common excuse found in the wild.  If I had to guess, my guess is this would be the most common excuse.  It all started back with the invention of the clock.  It is a little known fact that the first sighting of this excuse was within five minutes of Galileo finishing his first time piece by Galileo himself.  Actually, that’s not really true…at least I don’t think so.

Anyway, let’s shoot, stuff, and mount this excuse.  You DO have the time.  Not enough time after work, go before work.  Not enough time before work, go after work instead of sitting in front of the TV.  Can’t do either?  Do something at lunch…anything!  Not enough time to eat healthy?  Please.  Not enough time or not enough motivation? Where there is a will, there is a way. 

“No weights for me.  I don’t want to get huge and bulky!”

Yes, this one comes mostly from women but I’ve actually heard this one from a few guys as well.  There is a common misconception that if they touch a weight they’ll immediately rip up like Arnold…or some female version of Arnold.  Let’s get real.  The bodybuilders and “ripped” gym goers you see at the gym did not get that way overnight.  You’re looking at YEARS of dedication to get to that point.

A good weight lifting program coupled with the proper type and amount of cardio has been proven time and again to be the most efficient way to lose those extra pounds.  With a good full body routine 3 times a week you won’t look like you’ve been ripped off the cover of Muscle and Fitness magazine.  You will, however, look and feel much better.

“Being in a gym makes me feel uncomfortable.  I feel like everyone is looking at me.”

This is a very common feeling for people when they first go to the gym.  Most likely you’re going to the gym because you feel you need to go…whether it be to gain muscle or lose fat.  It is also very likely that you have a self-image issue which, in turn, makes you feel like everyone is looking at you.  I felt that way when I first started so I know how it feels.  Trust me when I say they aren’t looking at you and the feeling does go away! 

If you can’t get past that then you still don’t have an excuse since you don’t have to have a gym to get in shape.  You can build your own home gym, walk/jog in your neighborhood, or do body weight exercises.  There are some excellent body weight routines out there such as Death by Bodyweight.  A gym is not a necessity.  See?  No excuse!

“It’s too expensive to eat healthy and get in shape.”

The economy blows right now and many are having to cut back on a number of things.  It is a time where we all must step back and take a look at what’s important to you.  It is true that junk food is generally cheaper (hence, the obesity epidemic) but that doesn’t mean you’re trip to the grocery store has to be a budget buster.  There are a number of sites and articles dedicated to eating healthy on a budget and tips on how to do just that…just Google it!

And the ‘get in shape’ part?  If you can’t afford a gym membership or a home gym, just use the same recommendations I gave you above!

“I’m just too tired and don’t have the energy”

I hate to break it to you.  You are too tired and don’t have the energy BECAUSE you aren’t taking care of your body.  When I started losing weight three years ago, the first thing I did was cut the sugars and bread.  When these were flushed out of my system I almost felt like I was on a high.  My energy shot through the roof!  Give it a try, you might like it!

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Do you have any to add or any comments?  Just leave them below!