No Excuses.

It’s not uncommon for us to make excuses to get out of a training session. Yes- some are valid (injuries or sickness) but majority of our excuses are made up by the power of our mind. “I have no time, no energy, no motivation… it’s too hot, it’s too cold, it’s too busy/crowded.” I’ve heard all of these excuses before! In fact, I’m guilty of trying to convince myself of these reasons from time to time. However, are these excuses valid or invalid? Will I regret this excuse or reason tomorrow?

If you have in the past allowed yourself or find that you are currently allowing yourself these “invalid” reasons or excuses to skip a workout.. READ ON!

EXCUSE #1: I HAVE NO TIME TO WORKOUTAdults need approximately 6-8 hours of sleep each night to ensure that we can perform to our maximum potential during the day. There are 24 hours in a day, 8 of which are a write-off due to sleep. That leaves 16 hours to cook, clean, work, socialise and train. Try setting your alarm an hour earlier and fitting in a walk or swim before work. If you are really not a morning person, book in a workout everyday after work. Schedule the time like it is a doctors appointment- you have to commit to it and not reschedule! No- you cannot cancel your workout for a coffee with a girlfriend, but you can meet her after! The gym or your training routine is an important date that you don’t want to miss. Trust me- when your friends start seeing your results, whether it be added energy, weight loss, muscle definition, toning…they will want to be invited to your gym date too!

EXCUSE #2: I HAVE NO ENERGY/ MOTIVATIONIf you are constantly skipping the gym or work outs due to a lack of energy, perhaps it’s time to take a look at your food intake. What is it that you are eating that makes you feel sluggish? Are you eating enough? More importantly, are you eating enough of the right foods?

It is crazy to believe, but the more you workout, the more energy you have. Exercise increases our endorphins. Endorphins are the body's natural hormones that are released when we are doing something that requires a burst of energy! Skip the extra cup of coffee, put your training shoes on and get moving! Once you start, you’ll be surprised by how good you feel and want to do more!

EXCUSE #3: IT IS TOO HOT/ COLD/ WINDYDon’t blame it on the sunshine, don't blame it on the moonlight… blame it on your lack of motivation :)

If it’s too hot to run, then swim. If it’s too cold to swim, then hit up your local gym for a group fitness class or perhaps try your strength and flexibility at a heated yoga class! Exercise is the best hobby because you can do it anywhere, at anytime, with anyone, all year round. What was this excuse again?

EXCUSE #4: THE GYM IS TOO BUSY/ CROWDEDPersonally, I like a busy gym. I like being able to take a peek at other peoples training programs and different forms of exercise so that I can continue to change up my own routines so that I am never bored or too complacent. I also like the energy that a crowded gym brings! The buzz that comes from like minded people, that are training hard to better themselves, their health and their fitness. However, if a crowded gym isn’t for you… try pouring the pavement. Get outside and ride your bike, go for a long walk with a friend, run up and down stairs that lead to the beach. Perhaps join a sporting team where you can partake in structured games. Try a yoga class, a boxing class, spin class, bounce class…the options for group fitness are endless. Bootcamps are always a great motivator and most usually cap group sizes, which means you are never in a big crowd or left to fight over equipment. Alternatively, organise your own workout routine that you can complete at home, at the park, at the beach, at work! There are plenty of online exercise routines that you can follow.

As many of you have requested, tomorrow morning I will be posting a ‘NO EQUIPMENT NECESSARY’ exercise routine for those of you who don’t have a gym membership, but want to get started or continue on your fitness journey.

Speak to you soon,

 Simone.