“I Can’t Work Out...I Saw a Raindrop”

“It’s too cold. It’s too hot. I’m too old. I’m too busy. I’m not in good enough shape. I hate group classes. I hate working out alone.  I saw a raindrop outside.” 

If I had a dime for every reason I have heard people give for not working out, I’d be one wealthy gal.  The truth of the matter is, our bodies are not meant to be stationary and everyone who is physically capable, needs to get their body moving doing something.  What that “something” is depends on the person. Whatever fitness activity you choose should be something fun that you enjoy and look forward to doing.  

I have a friend who actually tells me she hates working out but I think she just has not found her “something”.  I always remind her how much she loves to dance and that Zumba would be perfect for her. “Maybe when I'm in better shape I'll join a class” is her reply. Well, that’s a common statement and my common response is "Isn't that the whole point of coming to a fitness class?" 

If you find the right studio and instructor, you will not feel like you have to be in shape before starting the class, you should be made to feel welcome and encouraged, not discouraged or uncomfortable.

A good instructor will be able to show you how to modify what is being done in the class to meet your fitness level and needs. That is true whether you are a newbie or a seasoned ol' pro.

Other reasons that I hear from people are that they are too tired after work to work out or they do not have time.  Honestly, there are more days than not when the last thing I feel like doing is going in to teach a class. I work full-time and teach fitness classes in the evening. I’m wiped at the end of the day. But you know what? After teaching a class, I feel totally refreshed and energized and am always glad that I pushed myself to go (well, that and the fact that since I’m teaching the class I can’t just not show up!) and I guarantee you would feel the same way although you might not think so right now. 

As far as not having the time, you have to put a fitness routine into your schedule like everything else and then the time is made and it becomes second nature.  I have another friend that works full-time and has two twin babies at home.  If there ever was a person who could honestly say “I don’t have time”, it would be her. 

But after working all day and coming home to take care of the babes, the house, the husband,  she goes to the gym a couple of nights a week after the babies are asleep to get a workout in.  She knows that in order to have the energy to get through her very long days, she must nourish her mind and body with exercise.

Fitness activities come in many forms and it’s just a matter of finding out what is best for you—what do you enjoy doing.  It can be something as simple as taking the dog for a walk a couple of times a week or something more intense like cross training or running road races. 

Once you find your own “something”, put it in your schedule, ignore those raindrops, and you are on your way to a more energized, more healthy you.