Over the last 20 years or so of working in the health and fitness industry I have seen some many people make poor choices. We make decisions every day about what is a priority. Excuses I commonly hear from clients are things like; 1)"I really need to clean my house first", 2) "My kids come first, so I can not go to the gym or workout", 3) "I am so exhausted from work.. I just can't do extra stuff", 4) "there is no time", 5) "pain always come back when I workout", 6) "the government can't tell me what to eat", 7) "if I eat donuts everyday.. that my choice..it does not effect anyone else but me", 8) "no one cares", 9) "I run every day, so I don't worry about what I eat", and 10) "it must be genetic!".
So I have some responses for these excuses. Some of my responses may be harsh.. but I am the first to admit I am not perfect and reflect on some of these issues myself everyday.
1) Really, you need a clean house before you need a healthy body. Well I have news for you. Barring a fire, natural disaster or extreme circumstances.. your house will be there in 20, 30, 40 years.. you may not!
2) Hey, I love my children. They are a gift from God as far as I am concerned. However, I need to set an example for my children about the priorities in my life. Why do you think over 65% of kids in school today are overweight? Is this rocket science? I do not think so.. Take them with with you, involve them, make it fun and you both will be happy.
3) Exhausted, I know all about that... I get up at 4 am 5 days per week and work until 4 most days, I still workout 4-5 days per week and make time in my day for it! Go to bed at at decent hour and get up early. The energy will be there when you get moving. You will be awake when you get to work and probably drink less coffee to boot!
4) Ah.. sweet "time". I know people who work 12 hour days, work weekends and still manage and prioritized time into their schedule to workout and eat healthy. This is just a poor excuse and don't use it!
5) Pain, of all excuses this one may have the most merit. No one enjoys pain. I have seen some pretty amazing people in my days as a trainer. I have to say if there is "will" there is a way. If your in this boat, keep trying and some help! Seek more advice if needed at http://www.optimalhealthperformance.com/LP_corr_exercise.html
6) Well the government is working on that, and guess what.. if we would make responsible choices on our own we would not need to be told what to do. It is a bit like being a teenager and wanting to be treated like an adult, but not making better choices like an adult. Wait a minute??? Not me.. Not you.. right? Just make a responsible choice and encourage others to do the same.
7) I have news for you.. our behavior does in fact effect everyone else in some way. Adult onset Diabetes is quickly rising to the top as one of the biggest epidemics in world history. This is driven by poor dietary and lifestyle choices Americans are making. This expense is ginormous.. is that a word? "Huge" that is a word. We all pay for it now and you will be paying more for it if we do not change.
8) Well, I care! Your maker cares.. You should care! Oh and somewhere, someone else does care. Reach out and get help. People may care about you, but in today's politically correct world and our ever persisting effort to not offend anyone.. they may not tell you.
9) So your active, hey that is great you have gotten 50% of the deal. You probably actually enjoy exercising! The other 50% is tough. This involves discipline, effort, planning. Can you do better? I know I can. Will you join me?
10) Genetics.. well, again in the rare circumstance you do have a genetic issue that limits your success with exercise and diet, you probably do have some struggles. However, you can manage things and get better results than you think when you really put your mind to it!
Do you need help? Do you know someone who does? I guarantee I care, and will do all I can to assist you! But before I can help you, you need to help yourself! Make your health a priority. You can reach me at brian@optimalhealthperformance.com or see more at http://www.optimalhealthperformance.com/ .
"It is all about perspective"
... should you look at things differently?
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