I’d like to workout, but…
by Larry Smith (@LarryWalksFast)
I’d like to workout, but…
Runners (and many walkers) are funny creatures. They collect motivational quotes about running–by runners and non-runners alike–and neatly compile them into books and websites as on-going celebration of their sport. One such quote, attributed to a runner named Sarah Condor, goes like this: “Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running.”
Maybe you’re not at a point in your fitness regime where you miss it when you skip a workout. Maybe you’re relieved when circumstances prevent you from getting out for a run (or walk, as the case may be). In fact, maybe you look for any excuse to avoid exercise. I hear lots of excuses. There must be a million reasons why people can’t get healthy and fit. Do any of these sound familiar?
- My child can’t be left alone; I have to care for and/or drive my child to school/practice/scouts
- My schedule is too hectic; I have a big project at work/home/school that prevents me from working out, but once things settle down, I promise I will do it regularly
- I can’t workout in the … humidity/dark/cold/wind/sun/rain
- It is impossible for me to… get up early enough to exercise in the morning/find time over lunch; I’m too busy and/or I get distracted/have no energy after work
- I can’t afford a… gym membership/treadmill/personal trainer
- I can’t be… outside in the fresh air/inside in the air conditioning
- I don’t like to sweat
- I hate to workout… alone/with a group
- I suffer from… bad knees/arthritis/exercise-induced asthma/migraines/kidney stones/a heart condition
- I’m in retail… (seriously, someone told me that just last week)
I have no doubt that these excuses are real. Your child is too young to stay home alone. Your schedule is unbelievably hectic (just like everybody else’s). Dragging your sorry ass out of bed in the morning is excruciating. And if your health problems prevent you from exercising, you should see a doctor right away.
The fact is, this is your reality. These are the cards that have been dealt you, so deal with them. It is unrealistic to think you can wait till the day that the stars align and everything in your life is in perfect synchronicity…and then that’s the day you’ll work out. Because, you know what? That day will never come. Ever. You want to know why? Because you’ll come up with new excuses, new reasons why it is impossible for you to stick with—or even start to—exercise.
To become healthy and fit, you need to put aside those excuses—whatever they are—that prevent you from establishing a regular workout routine. You need to work around them, power through them, walk ‘em off, find solutions. You need to organize your life so that you can incorporate meaningful exercise into your weekly routine, and stick with it for the rest of your life. You can do it. You can figure it out.
The reality is you’re never going to get healthy and fit otherwise.
So, let’s adjust Sarah’s quote to make it a little more meaningful to you. Print this out or write it on a sticky note to keep by your PC, in your wallet, on your refrigerator or in your Day Timer (old school) as motivation: “Remember: the feeling you get from working out is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were healthy and fit.”
