Excuses Excuses
We all have excuses
that we use even after we get motivated. Here are a few thought to
help you get around obstacles in your weight loss journey. Many of
them have actually helped me. |
Time
- I don't have enough time.
- I've already made prior
commitments.
- I have errands and housework to
do.
- I have to go to class.
- I have homework to do.
|
Solution
Schedule in your workout time the same way you would schedule classes,
appointments, or meetings. Wake up earlier. Reduce your
commitments. Prioritize your schedule. Make nutritional meals
in advance. Then just heat them up like a microwave dinner. |
Family
- I have to take care of the
kids.
- I must be more involved with my
family.
- My family doesn't try to help
me.
- My family won't eat healthy
food.
|
Solution
Part of being a family is doing things together, so why not discover good
health together. Engage in physical activities. Play ball in
the evenings, go to the pool, go hiking or bike riding together. If
you family is resistant to changing their activities or diet, decide that
you will be their role model for better health. When you make the
meals, have your family eat the same healthy foods that you do (even if
they hate it). They'll eventually learn to love this new lifestyle. |
Friends
- I can't get motivated without a
buddy.
- My friends don't try to help
me.
- I don't want to feel left out.
- I don't want to look like the
odd one.
- I don't want friends to think
I'm weak.
|
Solution
If you need buddy support, find a buddy. It's easy to find someone
who also wants to lose weight. Continue to go out with your friends,
and do everything that you used to do, except watch your food choices.
Even in the most unhealthy of restaurants you can often find healthy entrées.
True friends accept you as you are and won't try to discourage you, but if
you do run into such problems, talk with them. If they refuse to
support you, find new friends. You might even inspire them to get
fit. |
Work
- I work long hours.
- I work odd hours.
- I'm too tired after work.
- I job is already physically
demanding.
|
Solution
Exercise can start out by taking up only 20 minutes. Everyone can
find 20 minutes in the 1440 minutes of every day. You can even workout at
2:00 am if it fits your schedule. Exercise will also help you boost
your energy, so you won't be so tired after work. Physical jobs are
often stressful. Exercise that isn't work related after work will
help you reduce some of this stress and get you ready for the next day. |
Health
- I'm injured.
- My problem is hormonal.
|
Solution
Work with what you've got. Your body is designed to move. It
works best when it is exercised and often encourages healing (i.e.
physical therapy). Even if you are in a full body cast, exercise
your fingers or toes. Try to do stretches when your sick. Just
be sure to consult your doctor before you jump into anything. If it
is a medical condition that has caused you to gain weight, talk to your
doctor to find out what you can do within your limitations to reduce the
weight. Even if your weight gain is hormonal, exercise and good
nutrition can help counteract the effects of the hormones and may
sometimes even help stabilize hormones. |
Emotional
- I'm too depressed.
- I'm too angry.
- I'm apathetic.
|
Solution
Depression can often be reduced with exercise. You can even get an
emotional boost from the chemicals released during exercise.
Exercise is also a great way to get out frustration. Nothing beats
letting off steam like boxing with a punching bag. If you just don't
care, can't get in the mood, etc., just do it anyhow. Once you start
exercising, you'll probably just continue to do it for the full hour. |
Fitness
- I'm out of shape so exercise is
difficult.
|
Solution
Everyone starts off out of shape. Ever see a baby try to run a
marathon? We all have to start somewhere, even if it's a light
stroll from our front door to our mailbox. Start at the bottom and
work your way up. You'll be on your way to total fitness in no time.
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