When it comes to fitness, individuals generally fall into one of four categories:
- They find joy in exercising.
- They dislike it but do it for health benefits.
- They detest it and generate numerous excuses to avoid it.
- They dislike it, don’t participate, and feel no guilt about their choice.
I often wish I belonged to either of the first two groups or even the fourth, where indifference reigns. Unfortunately, I care—just a little bit, enough to keep me firmly in the third category.
I have an earnest desire to work out. I contemplate it regularly, gazing at my collection of workout DVDs showcasing perfectly sculpted individuals and think, “I want to achieve that!” But then, I opt for a snack instead.
If you find yourself in a similar situation and are running out of excuses for skipping your workouts, here are 15 justifications to consider:
- The gym equipment appears intimidating. Seriously, the design of some machines feels reminiscent of medieval torture devices, with their myriad of bars and weights.
- I lack appropriate workout attire. Since experiencing the joys of motherhood with two children in less than a year, my body has transformed in ways that make my old clothes unwearable. Shopping for new workout gear feels overwhelming, especially with toddlers in tow, even if the gym is conveniently located near Target.
- Exhaustion is a constant companion. My children are bundles of energy that drain me daily. By evening, I can barely muster the strength to lift a forkful of cake, let alone do squats or lunges.
- There’s no chance I’ll wake up any earlier than I already do. My baby monitor acts as my alarm, going off at ungodly hours, often after numerous nighttime interruptions. The thought of waking up before I have to is simply out of the question.
- I mistakenly directed my new workout DVD to an old address. Clearly, this is a sign that maybe jazzercise isn’t meant to be part of my life.
- Post-workout, I resemble a tomato and feel so disheveled that I can’t bear to be seen in public. What if a coffee emergency arises and I have to venture out?
- When doing jumping jacks, my belly jiggles, which strikes me as funny. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to catch my breath when I can’t stop giggling.
- My kids used up all my deodorant for their artistic endeavors on the windows. Out of respect for others, I can’t allow myself to smell bad, and now I have windows to clean.
- The prospect of a shower after exercise is daunting. Some days, I struggle to find time for basic hygiene, let alone post-workout cleanliness.
- I just finished eating, and I’ve heard that working out on a full stomach can lead to disastrous results.
- I need to eat first, which leads to feeling too full to work out, and then there’s the kitchen to clean, creating a cycle of procrastination.
- My hair is an ongoing nuisance, constantly falling in my face. I thought a new haircut might help, but then I lost several hours on Pinterest.
- I feel an illness coming on and must conserve energy for what’s to come.
- I just recovered from being sick and don’t want to overexert myself.
- I actually made the effort to take my kids to the gym, but there were no parking spaces available. However, there were spots across the street at Target, so I still managed to buy some new workout attire. Overall, a successful day!
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In summary, whether you relate to my excuses or have your own, remember that it’s okay to take a break from fitness. Life can be chaotic, and it’s essential to prioritize self-care in whatever way works best for you.
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