The Top 5 Excuses for Quitting, and My Take on Them.
Posted: May 13, 2015
Over the years, I’ve heard just about every reason for someone stopping, especially in the Summer. More times than you’d think.
Now some are irrefutable. One friend just found out he needs both knees replaced. That’s a tough one to overcome. But I also know people who are resisting similar surgery with everything they have.
Personally, I’d like to think I’d come in and at least do Upper Body and core, but I’m a little more compulsive about it than most, I guess.
So here are the top five excuses for quitting, and my take on it. I guess I’m too polite to ever argue with anyone about it in person, so here you go.
1. I’m just too busy.
We’re all too busy. There’s always stuff going on. What you really mean is it’s just not important enough to for it to get priority.
You’ll make time to do the things you really want to do. We always do. This is no different.
2. I’m going to be spending more time outside.
I’m sure that’s true. However, that doesn’t mean you’re actually going to be working out (with the exception of my walking and running friends).
But unless you’re lifting some weights out there on the road, you’re still going to need some weight training to keep your muscle tone.
All too often, summer goes by, and people put on weight that they then come in to take off in the fall. The best plan is to stay consistent. If it’s working, don’t mess it up!
3. I just can’t get motivated right now.
Hasn’t this always been the problem? Refer back to #1. When your reason to becomes bigger than your reasons not to, that’s when things will change.
What makes you think you’ll be motivated later? The trick is finding a way to do it now!
4. I’m going to work out at home.
Maybe, maybe not. There’s been a huge explosion in popularity of programs like P90X3 and T-25. I know some who’ve had great success with them. But most people never finish those programs. It takes tremendous discipline to follow through with them.
Lots of home exercise equipment is sold every year, and more often than not, the equipment just sits there. Often, it ends up on Craig’s List or in garage sales.
Working out at home can certainly be done (and I do it too at times), but most people do better when they have others to train with. It helps keeps them motivated, and accountable. It’s also nice having more stuff to use in the gym.
5. I just can’t afford it.
I certainly don’t want to be one to judge. Sometimes budgets have to tighten, and I get that. But often, a simple change in diet could easily cover the cost of your gym membership.
Cutting out a pop a day, or cutting back eating out could do it. Or maybe there’s somewhere else you can trim. But I refer you back to #1.
In the end, it always comes down to priorities. We’re going to do what we want to do. If we really want to eat right (mostly), and get into (or stay in) shape, we’ll find a way to do it. If we don’t, we won’t.
If you want to lose the weight, you have to learn the things that will get you there. And then you have to actually do them. So I’m not quitting this summer.
To help you get a jump start, Biggest Loser “25” starts in three weeks, on Monday, June 1st at 5:30. You’ll get free boot camps on M/W/F, and a weekly weigh-in after the workout on Monday nights. You’ll learn how to track your food, work out smart, and most of all, you’ll be accountable.
The cost for the 7-week program is just $100. You don’t have to be a member to participate, but short term memberships will be available for an extra $79.
So what’s it going to be? What do you have to lose? I’m not quitting. How about you?