Everyone knows most of the benefits of exercise.
Like how it improves our mood, physique and brain health, to name a few.
It also helps with the quality of our sleep, reduces our risk of disease, boosts our memory, makes our skin clearer and - best of all - improves our sex life!
So why doesn't everyone always do it?
Based on what I hear from most people, I've determined what I believe are the three most common EXCUSES for not exercising.
And yes, they are excuses.
Let me explain.
And while I'm at it, have a think - do you hide behind any of them?
Excuse #1 - "I don't have time"
This is merely psychological.
Everyone has time.
It's how they choose to spend it that counts.
Instead of trying to find time to exercise, make time.
How many hours do you waste watching TV?
Or flicking idly through social media?
Even if you're a parent, and working full-time, it's still possible to exercise daily.
Why not do it with your kid?
Strap them to your back and go for a cycle.
Pop them in their buggy and go for a walk or jog.
Take them down to the local park with a football or frisbee.
If that's really, REALLY not possible ... simply get up early before they wake up in the morning and exercise then.
It's simple.
Excuse #2 - "I'm too tired"
Get over it.
We're all tired.
We've all got a lot on our plate.
But if you really think setting aside an hour to exercise is too much, then you will fall off the wagon.
Just yesterday, I left home just before 7am for work at a marketing agency, spending most of the day on my feet and getting back home after 8pm.
Now that's a long day.
I'd technically already exercised, as I'd spent most of the day walking, and was dead on my feet.
But I promised myself that I'd go to the gym.
So as I came in the door and slumped back in my desk chair (the same one I'm sat in RIGHT NOW), I had a choice to make.
Should I exercise, or skip it?
I'll let you decide for yourself which one I chose.
Excuse #3 - "I don't have any motivation"
Let's get this straight: it's easy to do ANYTHING when you feel like it.
On those days when you roll out of the right side of bed with a smile on your face, a spring in your step and an attitude ready to conquer the world.
But most days aren't those days.
They are the exception, not the rule.
So how should you motivate yourself to exercise?
Getting inspired is the best way.
What really drives you to want a better physique?
It could be somewhat shallow, like getting that dream summer bod for your next holiday, or it could be more heartfelt, like staying in good enough shape to still be able to bend down and play with your (grand)kids one day.
Either is fine.
Use whatever drives you, and use it to your advantage.
Picture it everytime you don't want to work out.
Then GO.
There are also several other great ways to motivate yourself, that'll give you a more short-term boost, but a boost nonetheless:
exercise with someone (friend, partner, family member, dog, ANYONE)
give yourself a reward (e.g. if you love massages, promise yourself one as a reward IF you do a certain number of workouts)
hire someone to motivate you (like a Personal Trainer etc - not the cheapest way but this works wonders for some)
set tangible, measurable goals* (often numerical-based ones will allow you to track your progress, such as running a mile in a certain time, or bench pressing a certain amount of weight)
*To learn how to set truly powerful goals, come check out my most popular EVER post which gives you a three-step formula.
Above all, remember this: exercise is fantastic, and you'll always feel better for it once you've got it done.
It puts you in a better mood.
It heightens your senses and rejuvenates you.
It sets you up to go conquer your day.
Wield its power with caution!
Oh, and remember that You'll Never Walk Alone.
Until the next time...
Alex (N.Y.A.)
Something Extra
Here's a cracking one for you gym-goers.
It's called the Mind-Muscle Connection (MMC).
Do you have stubborn muscle groups that refuse to grow?
This is one of the best ways to overcome it, and give your workouts a MASSIVE lift.
As I've already mentioned, many of us often get our exercise done when we're tired, and as a result we may find ourselves 'going through the motions'.
But, as you know, movement is controlled by the brain.
And - due to synapses and the neuromuscular junction and a whole bunch of scientific stuff I won't explain now - the more you can improve this communication between brain and body, the more muscle fibres you'll engage.
This leads to more muscle contraction and, consequently, a much better workout.
What's more, it's pretty easy to implement the MMC, although maintaining it for every rep throughout your whole workout takes some focus.
Really hone in on the muscle you're targeting - some people will look at it (where possible e.g. biceps) or even close their eyes and picture it (where it isn't easily visible e.g. rear deltoids).
Also: CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE MOTHERF*****G DOOR.
If you need to bench press less weight to focus on really squeezing your pecs, then do it.
Focus on the quality of the rep, perform it slowly, breath and fully contract.
The progress will come.
Yes, work out hard.
But work out smart, too.
You're welcome.