One of my favorite parts about being a trainer is debunking the excuses people give me for why they can’t improve their health. Ultimately, your decision to work out, eat healthy, and make any changes is up to you—I can only work with what you give me. But more often than not, the excuses I hear boil down to three things: time, work ethic, and knowledge.
Let’s go over some of the common excuses I hear. By the end, you’ll get a feel for how I’d respond, and maybe it’ll give you a chance to truly evaluate your own excuses and see if they actually hold up.
Before I start, let me make something clear: I’m not here to make you feel bad for not prioritizing your health. Life can be chaotic, and there are times when family, work, or other priorities take precedence. This exercise is just a way to think critically about the reasons holding you back, using a mix of honesty, logic, and self-reflection. I get that pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is hard. But choosing comfort over growth often leads to regret and dissatisfaction. So, let’s go into this with an open mind and your best interests in mind.
1. “I have no time to work out” or “My family/schedule doesn’t allow for it.”
This one’s a classic, kind of like when the guy you like says, “Oh, sorry, I just haven’t been on my phone all day.” Come on. We know that’s rarely true. So you’re telling me you don’t have even 15 minutes to go for a walk? You can’t adjust your day just a little to fit in a 30-minute workout?
You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to make it work. If you’re juggling household duties, especially if you have kids, maybe it’s time to trust others with some responsibilities, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Or, work out with your partner while the kids are busy and make it a bonding experience! I know it’s easy to fill your day with tasks that conveniently “force” you to skip self-care, but if your health truly matters to you, you have to carve out time. You owe it to yourself to prioritize the things that matter, and that includes building a stronger, more confident version of you.
2. “I’m so exhausted after work to work out.”
I get it. I feel that way too sometimes, but I still push myself to show up, even on tired days. Why? Because I know it’ll make future-me proud and keep me on track with my goals. Plus, once you make it a routine, working out becomes less of a chore and more of a stress reliever, and it even boosts your energy over time.
There will always be those days when you’re completely spent and could fall asleep with your eyes open. But on the average day, when you’re just feeling “meh,” I encourage you to push through it. You’re way more capable than you give yourself credit for!
3. “I feel embarrassed going to the gym.”
Understandable! But tell me, how do you think you conquer anything that makes you feel weak or insecure? You face it head-on. Whether it’s because you don’t know what you’re doing or you’re self-conscious about how you look, avoiding the gym won’t help. It’s also relieving to know that no one at the gym is paying attention to you; they’re focused on their own workout.
And please don’t waste time researching every single exercise or try to lose weight before going to the very place that’s meant to help you. It’s a cycle of avoidance you can overcome by letting go of what others might think and having the humility to ask for help.
Hiring a trainer is also a fantastic way to shake off those gym nerves. Trainers know the ins and outs of the gym, and we’re there to make sure you feel confident and comfortable. You deserve peace of mind and time to focus on your workout. Embarrassed or not, you have the right to be there and take up space.
4. “I don’t like to exercise, and every time I try, I get hurt.”
If I kept injuring myself every time I tried something, I’d hate it too! But, honestly, if everyone else is managing to work out without constant injury and you’re not, it might be time to look at how you’re approaching it. Luckily, we live in a time with endless resources. You can look up tips online or work with a trainer to help you address any issues that keep popping up.
Disliking something that’s good for you often comes from a place of fear or discomfort. Maybe it’s fear of failure, or maybe it’s about ego. I’m no psychologist, but it makes sense that an aversion to improvement can come from a fear of the unknown. The best way to tackle that? Be open-minded and willing to seek help; and I’m here to help you with that journey.
I hope these common excuses give you a little perspective on what might be holding you back. If there’s something specific I didn’t cover, feel free to reach out to me at support@aplombtraining.com or set up a consultation call. Let’s work together to figure out what’s standing between you and your goals, and how you can finally break through it.
