Are you making Excuses? How to Achieve Your Top Goal of the Year.

Many of us made that promise almost three months back “ I will get fitter this year”. Have you been trying hard to stick to your new year goal to develop a healthier lifestyle, but just can’t seem to get in the groove?  It’s true – life can get in the way, but you’ll never make lasting progress if you consistently let challenges get in your way. 

The clock is ticking.

Are you becoming the person you want to be?

Gregg Pitt

“Fitness buff” is a new trending hashtag in modern times. Do you agree that our ancestors were fitter and healthier than us? If you do so, then have you ever thought about the secret behind it? Probably the answer is simple and straight. Fitness was never ever the trend in those times. Fitness was a way of life for them. Whatever they did, it was mostly right. Right from day-to-day physical activities to food habits, education systems to following traditions, everything was fitness-oriented. Today, 30% of the world’s young generation is diabetic and 20% of the population is suffering from heart diseases. The doctors, most of the time, point out the lifestyle as the main cause of the deteriorating health of the young generation. 

What reasons affect your fitness goal?

Many technological advances and conveniences have made our lives easier and less active, many personal variables, including Environmental, Physiological, Behavioural, and Psychological factors, may affect our plans to become more physically active. Understanding these common barriers to physical activities and creating strategies to overcome them may help make fitness part of your daily life.

The most common reasons we don’t adopt more physically active lifestyles are: Environment, Time, Energy, Motivation and Family obligations

Talking to most of the people around, here are the 10 reasons (excuses?), followed by our favorite tips for overcoming them. 

Reason #1 – Not having time to work out

• If you have kept a journal of daily activities this year just review them once. How you have spent your day.
• If not, monitor your daily activities for one week. Identify at least three 30-minute time slots you could use for physical activity.
• Add physical activity to your daily routine. For example, walk or ride your bike to work or shopping, organize school activities around physical activity, walk the dog, exercise while you watch TV, park farther away from your destination, etc.
• Select activities requiring minimal time, such as walking, jogging, or stair climbing.

Reason #2  – No one works out in a social circle

• Explain your interest in physical activity to friends and family. Ask them to support your efforts.
• Invite friends and family members to exercise with you. Plan social activities involving exercise.
• Develop new friendships with physically active people. Join a group, such as the runners’ group or a hiking club.

Reason #3 – Feel lack of energy to workout

• Like any routine, exercise takes time to establish. Start small. Set goals of 20-minute workouts or walks after dinner. Break down your long-term goals into small yet achievable ones.
• Schedule physical activity for times in the day or week when you feel energetic.
• Convince yourself that physical activity will increase your energy level; then, try it.

Reason #4 – Forget to prepare for workouts

• Plan ahead. Make physical activity a regular part of your daily or weekly schedule and write it on your calendar.
• Invite a friend to exercise with you on a regular basis and write it on both your calendars.
• Join an exercise group or class.

Reason #5 – Fear of injury and don’t know how to work out

• Check some Youtube videos, learn how to warm up and cool down to prevent injury. Learn how to exercise appropriately considering your age, fitness level, skill level, and health status.
• Select activities requiring no new skills, such as walking, climbing stairs, or jogging.
• If you can afford, start with a trainer or request any fitness buff friend to help you start.  You can try one of many fitness videos or apps to perform an at-home workout! 
• Take a pro-class to develop new skills.

Reason #6 – Weather conditions

• Develop a set of regular activities that are always available regardless of weather (indoor cycling, aerobic dance, yoga, calisthenics, stair climbing, rope skipping. dancing, freeletics, etc.)

Reason #7 – Travelling too much

• Put a jump rope/yoga mat in your suitcase. Remember to pack your exercise shoes.
• Just walk the halls and climb the stairs in hotels.
• Stay in places with swimming pools or exercise facilities.
• Visit the local shopping mall and walk for half an hour or more around the hotel.
• Carry your favorite headsets and workout music on mobile for inspiration.

Reason #8 – Family obligations

• Trade babysitting time with a friend, neighbor, or family member who also has small children.
• Exercise with the kids-go for a walk together, play tag or other running games, get an aerobic dance or exercise video for kids and exercise together. You can spend quality time together and still get your exercise.
• Jump rope, do calisthenics, ride a stationary bicycle, or use other home gymnasium equipment while the kids are busy playing or sleeping or during school hours.

Reason #9 – Not having the equipment/money for a gym membership

• Staying fit doesn’t have to break the bank. Take a walk or jog and explore different parts of your neighborhood!
• Select activities that require minimal facilities or equipment, such as jumping rope, or there are plenty of bodyweight exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home with little to no equipment required! 
• Identify inexpensive, convenient resources available in your community (community yoga programs, park and recreation programs, worksite programs, etc.).

Reason #10 – Not having exercise clothes that fit right

• This one may not stand out as the first barrier on your list, but feeling good while working out is a big part of the equation. If you have pants that slide down or distract you from your workout, it will make you less likely to want to do that exercise. Go shopping and start with cheaper sports brands.
• Clothes can also make a big difference in your mindset when going to the gym – you want to feel great in your skin! If it’s time to revamp your exercise clothes, find a brand that you can go to without fail. See it as an investment you’re making in your health!

Overcoming these excuses to exercise can make a world of difference in your physical activity routine. It’s time to break down those barriers to exercise! If you still want a Gym membership or equipment or workout clothes from your favorite brand or accessories don’t forget to share them as your wishes on the TIWIW app. 

We’ve all faced at least one of these excuses for healthy living, but now you have the tools to make that exercise routine happen. Next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or making excuses, check in with this blog, count on TIWIW to get your fitness wishes fulfilled, and take action!