No Excuses

The Excuse:
I don’t have enough time.

The Solution:
Have a back-up plan that involves something pretty simple—pushups, jumping jacks, or running stairs. All you need is 30 minutes. You can do it at your office or at home.

The Excuse:
I’m bored with my workout.

The Solution:
Getting bored probably means that the workout is too easy for you, so you should challenge yourself—increase the weight or repetition, or maybe both. If that fails, switch it up! You shouldn’t do any one workout for more than a month at a time, anyway. Try some new stuff like yoga, Pilates, swimming—anything that gives you a little boost

The Excuse:
The weather conditions aren’t ideal.

The Solution:
Exercise inside, of course! Get a workout partner or somebody to help motivate you to go to the gym or a class. He or she should have the same goals as you.

The Excuse:
I feel sore.

The Solution:
Typically you shouldn’t feel sore for more than 48 hours, so at least one of those days will be your “off” day. That is when your body is building muscle and recovering, which makes it important. If you don’t want to take two days off in a row, do some stretching for 20-minutes in the pool or with a foam roller.

The Excuse:
I’m not seeing results.

The Solution:
Each person is different. If you’re not seeing results, you may have to change your diet as well as your workouts. It’s kind of trial and error— seeing what works.

The Excuse:
Gym memberships are too expensive.

The Solution:
Small group training is a little cheaper, and you still get a bit of individual attention in the session. Also, consider joining a running club—you get the same results and the social aspect keeps you motivated.