Exercise Excuses I've Really Heard

1. I’m too busy to exercise This can be a huge problem for many people. There are only so many hours in the day. What this person needs to focus on is exercise efficiency. They need to get the most “bang for their exercise buck”. What are some options? Circuit training (doing strength training moves one right after the other with very short rest periods in between) can offer muscle strengthening while still keeping the heart rate elevated so there is a cardiovascular benefit also. Interval training while doing cardio activities can offer more calorie burning and cardiovascular benefit than long slow training.

This person also needs to have a good exercise plan and then a good backup plan for days when the usual routine can’t get done.

While exercising at the gym can be both effective and time efficient, a good home exercise plan can offer an option when there just isn’t time to even drive to the gym. (If it takes you 10 minutes to drive to the gym, and 10 minutes to drive home, you’ve just spent 20 minutes that could have been your exercise time).

Next Level trainers have many ideas of ways that you can use your time wisely and can help you design an effective, efficient work out for either home or gym or both.  

2. I hate to exercise Some people truly do hate everything to do with physical activity. The bottom line is that exercise in some form is crucial to well being, so this person may just have to pick something they hate the least. In fact, sometimes people stumble upon something that they like well enough to at least do  several times per week. One client said that she couldn’t stand getting on the treadmill but was okay with her group strength training circuit class. If you haven’t fully explored your exercise options, now is the time to find something that works for you. 

3. I’m too fat to exercise What??? This doesn’t really make sense because exercise can help you be less fat, but what this person is really saying is that they feel self conscious exercising because they are concerned about what others will think. Next Level is meeting this problem head on with their new program specifically designed for the overweight, beginner exerciser. From personal tours of various affiliated gyms to specially designed, exclusive classes for the overweight client, Next Level is committed to helping this person get started on the path to weight loss and improved health. 

4. I don’t know how to use the equipment, I might hurt myself It’s good to be cautious when using new equipment because an injured person can’t exercise at all. At each of our affiliated gyms Next Level will offers a free orientation to any new member or current member who can’t remember how to use the equipment. It’s far better to ask for help and learn how to use things correctly for safety and effectiveness sake than just forge ahead and get hurt. Also, if you are in the gym doing something dangerous, chances are good that a Next Level trainer (the black shirt people) will notice and come help you adjust your workout. 

5. I’m too old, awkward, don’t have the right clothes This is kind of related to number 3. It’s still the same issue of being self conscious. Next Level is affiliated with several different types of gyms. Chances are good that whatever your issue is, we know of a location that might fit you quite well. We work with a women’s only gym and a gym that hosts the Silver Sneakers programs (senior citizens).

Depending on the time of day every gym has a different kind of crowd, and t-shirts and sweat pants are always appropriate. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you find your perfect location.

Contact Next Level Performance to schedule your free training session, or to just find out more information about our many programs and specials. What have you got to loose, except weight!

Exercise Excuses I’ve Really Heard ~ By Betsy Gorman Published: October 6, 2009 © Next Level Performance
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