I Can't Workout Because...

This very famous phrase followed by that list of valid excuses as to why I was unable to workout in the past.  The excuses were so good and the points so valid that after uttering them I nodded my head eyes wide open as if to say “there, that’s the real reason why I don’t workout” and truly believed it.  

I always try to teach my kids that in life they will encounter difficult situations but it is how they handle them that will shape their destiny.  I tell them that they can choose to curl up in a ball and cry about it or they can grab it by the horns and tackle it down, their choice.  Life is difficult as it is so when we are faced with challenges, difficulties or a variety of scenarios it is up to us to handle them the best way possible. 

The list of reasons why I could not workout was very long and I had some valid points.  I I will share my top 3 excuses and how I managed to overcome them.  

Excuse #1:      I don’t have time, I work full time, have two kids and a husband (ok 3 kids), cook, clean, do groceries, well you get the picture.

Solution:    I still have 2 kids or 3, still cook, clean, do groceries and everything else I did when I came up with that excuse.  However, the difference is that I now MAKE the time to workout because it is a priority in my life.  I was working out evenings and weekend mornings but that was taking too much time away from my kids so I changed to mornings at 6 am.  I just did it like the Nike Commercial says and made it happen and so can you, yes there is time, yes you can do it so just start!

Excuse #2:      I don’t know what healthy foods to eat.

Solution:    I myself did not know what to eat but I used my common sense and did some research.  There are so many resources out there with so much information as to what is good to feed your body and lets face it, you know deep down that eating that mac and cheese is perhaps not the best choice you can make. The bottom line is that it will take time and effort on your part but it will be worth it in the end.   

Excuse #3:  I feel intimidated going to the gym

Solution:  I was very intimidated going to the gym, so much so that I even wrote a post about it.  I was scared and embarrassed of looking silly but I kept reminding myself that they all must have started somewhere and I was determined to learn.  I am very comfortable when I go to the gym now not because I know it all but because I know that it is a constant learning experience.  I ask a lot of questions, ask advise, it is amazing how others are eager and willing to help you out.  The bottom line is if you don’t start, you will never learn so take that leap and join you will be a pro before you know it.

I know that living a healthy lifestyle is difficult at times, but the outcome supersedes all the hard work, the rewards that you reap will alter your life for the better.  Start slow, but start.

Now go, get moving!