Inactivity is a major issue these days. We’re spending more time in cars, sitting at desks, and slumped in front of TVs, tablets and video screens than ever before. And let’s be clear on something – it’s terribly bad for your health. Not only does inactivity make you unhealthy, build up weight and dull your brain, but it’s also a killer. If you don’t exercise you run the risk of getting diabetes, suffering from a heart attack, or getting a stroke.
It’s something of a modern phenomenon, unfortunately. As humans, we evolved to be on the move all the time. hunting, gathering, and trekking to find water supplies. We didn’t evolve to spend all day sitting down, and the end result is that unless you take physical exercise seriously, you will end up damaging your health.
So, the big question is – why are you inactive?
There are plenty of common excuses used by everyone out there who isn’t doing regular exercise. And the chances are that if you are inactive yourself, you are probably using one of them! Read on to find out some of the most common excuses for inactivity – do you recognize any of them?
Dislike of exercise
No one really likes exercise, so this excuse is probably the poorest of them all. Yes, it can be boring. And sure, it can be incredibly tough and gruelling, especially when you are just starting out. But here’s the thing – there is an exercise or a program out there made for people just like you. It’s just a case of spending time looking for the right one.
Perhaps you like to dance – why not do some dance aerobics? Do you enjoy playing team sports? Look for a community club in your area and see if anyone is looking for players. And finally, even cleaning the house, gardening, or walking the dog every day is classed as exercise. Just be more active!
Lack of time
Ok, so we all lead incredibly busy lives these days. Whether it’s working longer hours to impress the boss, or trying to juggle a job with childcare – not to mention finding the time to commute. It’s a tough world right now. But with a little planning and preparation, there is nothing stopping you from squeezing in a good bout of exercise on a regular basis.
Let’s take a look at some of your options right now.
First of all, be sensible and reasonable. If you can’t put aside 90 minutes every day for exercise, it’s pointless getting on a program that lasts for 90 minutes every day. Look for a program that suits your lifestyle, and set yourself sensible goals instead.
For example, you might try 30 minutes of intense exercise every other day, and go for a brisk walk for the rest of the days in your week. Schedule your exercises in, too, and make them part of the running order of your day. Finally, why not get up a little earlier in the morning? This way, you get u, get out, and are finished your daily workout before you even start your day.
It’s an age thing
If you think you are too old for exercise, think again. There are marathon runners in their 90s these days, and many people over the age of 60 still take regular exercise, play sports, and are super fit.
No matter how old you are, there really is no excuse for thinking your age can define how much and what type of exercise you can do. In fact, the older you get, the more exercise becomes important. A little weight training, cardio, and mobility exercises – even stretching and yoga – can all go a long way to ensuring you’re live a long and super healthy life.
Constant backaches
Back trouble is incredibly common, mostly due to the fact that we all lead more sedentary lifestyles than we used to. But let’s be clear, you won’t cure your back trouble if you don’t exercise. Whether it’s lower back pain or something more serious, see your doctor and get yourself on an exercise regime that suits you.
It won’t be long until you start building up the muscles in your back, which will give you more support and result in an ability to do more exercise. The more you do, the better it will get!
However, one other thing you can do is watch how you are sleeping. According to https://www.mattress-guides.net, sleeping on the wrong type of mattress can cause you back problems, and make them worse over time. It’s essential that you look after your back, spine and core muscles if you want to be able to get healthy and especially while you are going through a new exercise regime.
Too overweight
Another common excuse for people that are inactive is playing the overweight card. Ok, so when you have put on some extra pounds, of course, exercise is going to be more difficult. You’re carrying more weight, so have to work harder, after all.
But in truth, any physical activity is going to help you, whether it’s a brisk walk or a light swim for 45 minutes. The point is, you have to get yourself out there and make changes.
If you are overweight, try watching what you are eating. As a rule, you need to burn more calories in a day than you consume to shift your spare pounds, but see your doctor or a nutritionist for proper eating advice. Just get started – walking, swimming, and weight training are all compatible for anyone who is overweight.
You’re exhausted
Tiredness might seem like the perfect excuse for avoiding exercise. After a long day at work, followed by a battle with getting the kids fed, bathed and to bed, all you want is to collapse on the couch. But before you do, think carefully. Taking regular exercise can make a big difference to your tiredness levels in a positive way.
According to https://www.everydayhealth.com/, the more you exercise, the more alert you will be and the more active and healthy you will feel.
If you do have kids, why not exercise with them? You can do a workout in front of the TV together, head outdoors for a big hike or a run, or get your little ones on a bike and hit the local trails. In fact, running around the park with a ball or two is a great way of getting some exercise, and you won’t even notice!
I don’t need to exercise
Congratulations! You might think you are too thin and don’t have to exercise. Well, we hate to break it to you but you’re wrong. Just because you don’t need to lose weight doesn’t mean you can avoid exercise. In fact, you might be in serious need of putting on weight, as your muscles have shrivelled up into nothingness!
Ultimately, no matter what size you are, exercise is incredibly important, and the reality is that many thin people actually suffer from an excess of body fat – and lots of cholesterol build up on the inside. Try some basic weight training and cardio to get in better, stronger shape.
It’s way too expensive
Sure, gym memberships can be expensive. But if you make good use of them, they are actually very good value. And actually, you don’t need to use a gym. There is a multitude of things you can do to get fit for free, or at very little cost.
Running costs you a pair of new sneakers. Home workouts cost you only time and the price of a DVD. Yoga and pilates require barely any equipment and there are hundreds of tutorials you can use online.
The reality is that expense is a poor excuse for avoiding fitness, and there is more than enough you can do without paying for it. And once you are in reasonable shape, perhaps you will be in a position where that gym membership makes sense after all!
I can’t commit
Lack of commitment is one of the biggest reasons for fitness failure. And there is a good reason why, too. Most people start working out for the first time with unreasonable, and completely unachievable goals in mind. And after two weeks, they feel like they are nowhere near those goals. It’s vital that you are realistic in what you are planning, and ensure that you take things one step at a time.
Break up all those big goals into bite-sized chunks. Start keeping track of your progress, and chart your increasing speed, reps, or weights – it won’t be long before you are seeing improvements. And finally, don’t look at the scales for a while.
When you are losing weight via exercise, you tend to put on weight first as your muscle starts to grow. And many people looking at the scales get depressed when they see their numbers go up rather than down – but it’s something of an illusion. Keep at it, and you will start losing weight – it’s that simple. Good luck!
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Too exhausted is definitely an excuse I use often. It’s definitely true, with the one year old and the three year old, but oh well! Gotta do it anyway. I’ve been making exercise and eating well a priority lately, and I LOVE how I’m feeling and looking!
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I think I’ve used a few of these. It is so easy to get caught up in any and everything besides staying active. Great post!
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Great post! I often used the lack of time as an excuse for being inactive. But it’s more of being too lazy to get up and exercise. I started working remotely just recently and I spend most of my time sitting at a desk working or laying in bed watching movies or playing mobile games. I really need to find the motivation to start exercising or else, I’ll regret it in the end.
The line I always use is that I’m always busy, even though what I’m going to do is just browse my social media accounts.
My excuse is always work. My office chair is a magnet that I couldn’t get away from. And I always thin its valid.
You can do some stretches when in the office. It all counts as exercise.
I always complain about being to big and not to exercise because my body is not capable of strenuous activities. But now with the help of a fitness coach i overcome all the obstacles and i am on my way to my desired weight. Nice article, informative and helpful.