Record numbers of us have been taking to the outdoors for our daily exercise during the past year. The NHS reported that there were almost a million downloads of Public Health England’s ‘Couch to 5k’ app during the first UK lockdown, a 92% increase on 2019’s figures.
However, we have all been there: you decide you are going to get back into exercising, or start for the very first time, and then you wake up and decide not to do it. If you have ever used these excuses for why you aren’t going to exercise, here is how to overcome them.
- “I haven’t got the right stuff”
If you are exercising at home, it might be that you don’t have the right equipment. There are plenty of exercises you can do without any equipment. Why not try and turn a daily walk into a daily jog or use tins of beans instead of weights. Get creative. Why not shop online for women’s tracksuits and make sure you have the right clothing for the job, too?
- “I’m too tired”
This is a strange one, as exercise increases your blood flow and releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and other endorphins which will actually make you feel more energised. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep, and exercise when you are feeling most energetic to give your energy levels a boost.
- “I can’t afford the gym”
That’s okay, there are plenty of exercise videos for free on YouTube. There are plenty of options for beginners, intermediates and even experts. If you want to do HIIT training to get that booty, yoga for that summer body or cardio just to get your blood pumping, there is something for everyone.
- “I don’t have the time”
Wake up 30 minutes earlier and make time for a quick session before you start your day. If you get an hour-long lunch break, why not spend half of it taking a little walk? Invite your co-workers to join you so that you aren’t on your own.
- “It’s boring”
Make it fun! Choose something you know you genuinely enjoy doing, as you are much more likely to commit to something when you are having fun. If you can’t find an exercise you enjoy doing, blast your favourite music whilst you dance about your living room. Mute your exercise video and put on some dance music to keep you pumped. Use headphones whilst you run. The options are endless. What are you waiting for? Get dancing!
Since we are now all stuck inside again, it is important that we try to get out for some fresh air, no matter whether it is for five minutes or two hours. Starting with a gentle stroll can turn into a 20-minute jog over time. Starting is always the hardest part, getting over the hill with the lack of motivation. However, once you do get over the top, it can only get easier! Don’t make those excuses; instead, make small (but effective) changes.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels