With the busy lives most people lead, there are many reasons people don’t exercise. Exercise can sometimes be the last thing on a person’s to-do list with a schedule filled with demanding jobs and kids. However, what most people do not realize is that regular exercise can make life easier. Learn the top reasons we don’t exercise and why we should.
Top Reasons We Don’t Exercise:
There are many reasons people don’t exercise. Here are the most common reasons, as well as ways to fit it into your day.
A Busy Schedule
A busy schedule is the most common reason people choose not to exercise. Whether the busy schedule is due to a job or kids or both, many people can’t imagine fitting exercise into a packed day.
Exercise can be fit in almost any schedule by spending even 15 minutes of exercise daily or 30 minutes of exercise every other day. The section below will provide more ways to add exercise to a busy schedule.
Previous Failed Exercise Attempts
If a person has experienced many failed exercise attempts where she felt like the exercise was ineffective or gave up on a workout routine, she might feel discouraged. If a person gets easily bored with exercise, changing an exercise routine frequently can help keep her focused on exercise.
Hate Exercise
When a person hates exercise, it can be because she finds it boring or painful. Finding the right exercises that are enjoyable will help prevent boredom. Some people do best by taking up a physical activity hobby instead of traditional exercise. Karate and rollerblading are two examples of ways to spice up exercise.
Limited Budget
If a limited budget prevents a person from affording a gym membership, there are other ways to get exercise without spending a lot of money. Some recreational centers and YMCAs have low-cost or free exercise classes. People can also exercise at home without expensive equipment. Taking up running or walking provides a free cardio workout. Cheap dumbbells and an exercise mat are all that is necessary for an effective home workout.
Exercise Doesn’t Seem to Work
Some people give up on exercise if they do not see obvious results or get easily bored with an exercise routine. All exercise benefits the body in some way. However, if a person has a specific fitness goal, it is important to do exercises that work toward that goal. There also may be lifestyle modifications to assist a workout goal. For example, a person who has a lot of extra fat on the abdominal area will not see dramatic results such as a flat belly without changing their dietary habits, too.
Exercise Is Painful
Some people give up on exercise because of a previous injury. Sports injuries do occur, which is why it is important to practice exercise safety. Warming up and cooling down before and after exercise is important to prevent injury.
If a health problem seems like an obstacle to exercise, people should talk to their doctor for recommendations on how to safely exercise. There are many low-impact or no-impact exercises such as swimming, that are safe for many people with health problems.
Why Exercise Makes Life Easier
Yes, even busy people will find that exercise can help improve their lifestyle. Regular exercise provides both physical and mental benefits that can help busy people organize their life, have more energy and generally feel more content.
Physical Benefits of Exercise
The benefits of exercise are numerous. Adding exercise can actually make life easier both physically and mentally. Physical benefits of exercise include:
- Increased energy which allows people to handle busy schedules better
- Less sick days because exercise help boost the immune system
- Prevents many chronic illnesses such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes
Mental Benefits of Exercise
An increase in endorphins and better overall hormone regulation from exercising can lead to better concentration and mood. Mental benefits of exercise include:
- Enhanced ability to focus to help people handle busy days
- Less mental stress from rushing around
- Overall mood improvement helps people still feel generally happier and peaceful
How to Fit Exercise in a Busy Schedule
Many of us face challenges finding time for exercise amidst the chaos of daily life. When your inbox overflows, your boss schedules another 6 pm meeting, your kids demand attention, meals, and transportation, and quality time with your significant other seems like a distant memory – prioritizing your run, spin class, or yoga session often falls by the wayside.
Ironically, exercise becomes crucial when time is scarce during these hectic moments. Whether striving towards a fitness goal or not, even just 20 minutes of physical activity can significantly enhance your mood, mindset, and overall well-being.
It is possible to fit exercise in a busy schedule. Here are some suggestions to add exercise to your day:
Write a regular exercise time in your weekly planner:
Schedule a cumulative 30 minutes of exercise daily – this can be broken down into three, ten-minute walks if you can’t find a 30 minute block in your day. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), you should perform moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week or at least three times a week.
Put together a workout plan that includes a mixture of cardio and strength exercises. Commit to the workout plan for a scheduled period of time every day or every other day. This can help keep a person focused on exercise.
Jenna Deutsch explains, “I prioritize exercise by blocking off time for workouts on my calendar and structuring my day around them. This ensures I commit to them.”
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Rise even earlier.
I complete all my workouts before my son wakes up,” Sara Colodner shares. “My husband and I alternate days, ensuring one of us is there in the morning in case our son wakes early. Then, we swap when I return. This arrangement also motivates me not to ‘waste’ a workout day, which means my husband could miss his.
Hire a personal trainer:
Hire a personal trainer and meet for scheduled workout periods. The personal trainer can develop a workout plan for a person’s specific fitness level, goals and availability.
Take an exercise class:
A group fitness class can be a fun way to fit exercise into a schedule.
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Opt for the most convenient gym available.
I used to feel frustrated about the extra gym membership cost in my building alongside rent, but it was a fantastic choice,” Jessica Derschowitz explains. “Regardless of the weather or my busy schedule, I can simply take the elevator to the gym and hop onto a treadmill.
Put physical activity into all aspects of life:
There are many ways to fit exercise into a busy schedule in small ways. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take breaks from a desk job to walk around for few minutes. Go for a walk during your lunch break. Walk the dog daily. Go for walks with the kids to help them get more exercise, too.
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Embrace incorporating running into your commute.
Marisa Cummings, an investment banker with a demanding schedule, has adopted a unique approach to fit in exercise: a run-to-work routine. Living 6.5 miles from her Manhattan office, she utilized a gym nearby, packing a week’s clothes there every Sunday night. She’d run home on Mondays, keeping essential items at the gym for the week. She’d run into work the rest of the week, arriving at her desk by 6:45 am. Occasionally, she’d double her runs during training seasons. Despite occasional setbacks, like forgetting a bra or finding the gym locked, Marisa remained committed to her unconventional commute, even enduring a 25-minute subway trip home to change before returning downtown.
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Keep your workout attire easily accessible at all times.
As a journalist with a hectic schedule and frequent travel, I stash a pair of running shoes and some clothes in my car,” says Garret Woodward. “This means I can fit in a run wherever I am. It adds an element of excitement, not knowing where I’ll end up running or what I might discover along the way. While finding time can be tough, there’s also a sense of enjoyment in the challenge, even if it’s just for a quick 20 minutes.
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Incorporate running into your errands.
Writer Megan Harrington shares, “I enjoy physically running errands. Frequently, I’ll place my son in the stroller and jog the 1.25 miles to his daycare, then return home with an empty stroller. Additionally, I run to the post office and the grocery store.”
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Work out while your kids are engaged in physical activities.
I exercise during my kids’ activities,” explains Gia Alvarez. “I’ll circle the hockey rink or run to and from the ballet studio. If they’re staying active, I should do the same!
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Schedule it as a date.
Grace Henderson Hartman shares, “My husband and I plan evening running dates. We arrange a babysitter, go for our long runs together, and wrap up with margaritas and tacos at a nearby restaurant.
Achieve mastery over your mindset.
Consider exercise as an enjoyable activity,” advises running coach Patrick Hammond. “Instead of viewing it as a chore, see it as something you genuinely desire to do. This mindset has served me well for the past 24 years.
Conclusion:
Exercise for a Better Life! While there are many reasons that people choose not to exercise, there are even more reasons to stick to a workout program. It is worth rearranging a busy schedule to fit exercise in for a happier and more productive life.
