When it comes to working out, people generally fall into four different categories:
- Those who absolutely love to exercise.
- Individuals who aren’t fans but do it because they know it’s beneficial.
- Folks who detest working out and come up with endless excuses to avoid it.
- People who dislike exercise, choose not to do it, and feel no guilt whatsoever.
I often wish I belonged to category 1 or 2, or even category 4 where I simply didn’t care. However, I do care—just enough to keep me firmly planted in category 3. I genuinely want to work out. I think about it frequently. I glance at my collection of workout DVDs, all showcasing fit individuals with perfect bodies, and I think, “Yes! I want to look like that!” But then I grab my phone and reach for a donut instead.
If you find yourself in a similar situation and are running low on excuses for not breaking a sweat, I’ve compiled a list of 12 obstacles you can use as needed. You’re welcome!
- Gym Equipment is Intimidating: Honestly, those machines look like they belong in a medieval torture chamber. All the bars, pulleys, and weights can send shivers down anyone’s spine.
- Lack of Workout Clothes: After having twins last year, my body has transformed in ways I never anticipated. My old workout gear no longer fits, and shopping for new clothes feels like an insurmountable task—especially with two toddlers in tow. Yet, the gym is conveniently located next to Target…
- Exhaustion: Kids have an uncanny ability to drain every ounce of energy from you. By the end of the day, I can barely lift my fork to eat dessert, let alone do lunges or squats.
- Waking Up Early is Not an Option: My baby monitor serves as my alarm clock, chiming in at ungodly hours before most folks even dream. After countless nighttime interruptions thanks to teething or bad dreams, there’s just no way I’m rising earlier than necessary.
- Deodorant Disaster: My little ones seem to have used up my entire stick of deodorant for their “art projects” on the windows. Now I’m left smelling less than fresh and have to tackle window cleaning.
- Showering is a Challenge: On days when I don’t work out, even showering feels like a chore. Who knows what my hygiene routine will look like today? (Refer back to the deodorant issue above.)
- Full Stomach Fears: I’ve heard that exercising on a full stomach can lead to dire consequences, so I opt to skip the workout.
- Skipped Breakfast: Mornings are often chaotic, and if I miss breakfast, I’ll need to eat first. But then I’ll feel too full to exercise, which leads to kitchen cleanup—and so the cycle continues…
- Hair Trouble: My hair seems to have a mind of its own and constantly ends up in my face. I thought about getting a new haircut, but then I spent four hours scrolling Pinterest.
- Sick Days Don’t Exist for Moms: I sometimes feel under the weather and think I should conserve my energy for the inevitable chaos of motherhood.
- Recovering from Illness: Just as I’m getting over being sick, I hesitate to push myself too hard.
- No Parking at the Gym: I actually made it to the gym, only to find no parking spots available. However, there were spots across the street at Target, which at least meant I could grab new workout clothes. So, all in all, today was a success!
If you’re looking for more insights, check out this post for additional tips about parenting and fitness. And if you’re considering starting a family, you can find excellent resources on pregnancy here. Additionally, if you’re interested in home insemination, reputable retailers like Make a Mom offer great options.
In summary, we all face unique challenges when it comes to exercising. Whether it’s fear of the gym, exhaustion from parenting, or just the simple chaos of daily life, it’s all too easy to find reasons to skip our workouts.