No More Excuses: How to Stay Motivated to Workout

There are so many reasons to not get your workout done. Trust me, I have had days where I thought, “I soooooooo don’t feel like it.” On those days, I kick my own ass and get down to it. I always feel so much better when I go ahead and “get it over with,” which is how I regard working out when I am in those loathsome moments. But once it’s done I think, “Gee, why did I dread that so much?”

On most days I am excited to get moving. I don’t feel like I need to “get it over with.”  I am actually looking forward to feeling the energy and adrenaline of heating up from my core and breaking an awesome sweat!

No matter how you are feeling on any given day, here is my advice on how to bust through the most common excuses that keep people from getting off the couch and moving:

1. “I don’t have time.”
Excuse buster: You CREATE time. The best way to avoid using this excuse is to plan, plan, plan! Look at your week in advance, schedule appointments with yourself and KEEP them.

2. “I don’t have the energy.”
Excuse buster: I know this is hard to believe, but the more you workout, the more energy you will have. You will find this out once you keep your appointments with yourself. Sooner than later, being active will simply become a habit for you.

3. “I don’t have the money.”
Excuse buster: You do not need to pay anything at all to get fit. Sure those big fancy gyms are nice, and they come with a lot of perks.  However, you do not need them. Walking, running, and using your own body weight are all free and will whip you into shape. No more excuses!

4. “The kids keep me too busy.”
Excuse buster: It is SO important to not teach your kids to avoid physical activity with excuses. Use your kids as motivation, stay healthy and active with them, include them, teach them.

5. “I’m way too overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.”
Excuse buster: Whether you have a lot of weight to lose, or it has just been a long time since you were active, just start somewhere and start with small goals. Don’t set a goal to run a marathon in 6 months, start with walking 1/2 mile without stopping. And then walk faster the next time, and then increase your distance. Maybe even start running. Just set smaller more feasible and attainable goals for yourself. Be honest with yourself but, no matter what, get moving!

For more content like this, make sure to check out the Pure Joy Squad—our private community for women over 50!

Xo, 

Renata