Training ·
Eliminating Excuses + Killer Home Workout Videos
Sweating out a gruelling training session isn’t the hardest part of working out. Although you may be straining your body physically, it’s the mental hurdles that are often the toughest to overcome. You may find that when the last thing you want to do is hit the gym, that’s when you have your best workout.
Although the world has slowed down and it would seem easier to get in your daily exercise, it can often be the other way round. It’s almost more difficult now - you can exercise at any time, so you can keep putting it off. “I’ll do it later” is perhaps the most dangerous thought to cross your mind, because the chances are that you’ll think the same thing over and over again.
Training and working out can be overwhelming, especially when you’re out of the habit. However, it doesn’t take much to change your mindset. Some simple adjustments in your thinking and your priorities can not only help you keep a consistent workout routine, but you’ll find yourself looking forward to them a lot more! Here are some tips to help you eliminate your excuses:
Something is better than nothing!
Our lives are so filled with commitments and work schedules that we often find ourselves running out of time. Even with everything closed at the moment, working from home may seem to take up even more of your time and the days can slip away before you know it. But exercising doesn’t need to be a huge, complicated task. Everyone can spare 10 minutes of their day to do some exercise, no matter how busy you are. There are loads of great 10 minute workouts on the internet that you can use. You don’t need to run a marathon - it’s better to get some movement in your day than none at all!
Put you first
Now is the perfect time to get your priorities straight. Yes, work deadlines and other commitments are important, but nothing matters enough to sacrifice your health. If you’re spending all of your energy on doing things for other people, you’re on a fast track to burning out. You always have a decision, so decide to put you and your health before anything else.
Do it different
Do you fully intend to do a workout at the end of the day, but when 5pm rolls around you have lost all energy and motivation? If your current routine isn’t working for you, the power is in your hands to change it. Try getting up earlier and doing your exercise first thing in the morning. You can get it over with, and now you don’t need to worry about making excuses later. Plus, this is a great way to start your day fresh and clear your mind. Don’t think about it, just get up and go!
Don’t strive for perfection
All the perfectionists out there - listen up! If you’re setting unattainable goals that are too high, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Whether you plan an overly gruelling workout or strive for unrealistic results, attempting the impossible is going to leave you feeling defeated every time. It’s inevitable that you’ll give up, because what’s the point? The key to success is setting small, realistic goals and sticking to them. It may not feel like enough, but this is a surefire way to help steadily improve your fitness. Remember - everything you do counts!
Don’t like it? Don’t do it!
Your training session may be hard, but this doesn’t mean you have to hate every minute of it! If you don’t like running, why force yourself to go for a run? There are so many different ways you can exercise and strengthen your body, so you may as well find something that you enjoy. Try out different exercises and workouts and take note of what makes you feel good. This is bound to take away some of the hesitation you feel before starting a workout. Who knows - maybe you’ll look forward to it!
Mix it up
Being stimulated and excited to try something new is always a good way to keep your motivation levels high when exercising. Try these bodyweight exercises with CMBT Training Centre head coach Jesse Yada and cool down with his dynamic stretch routine.
At the end of the day, the only thing holding you back is you. Life is too short to make excuses, but this doesn’t mean you have to force yourself into something you really don’t want to do. Reframing the thought of exercise from being a chore to being a vital way of looking after your health may be all you need to do. If you can master this, you won’t feel the need to make excuses.