The 5 Worst Excuses for Not Exercising… That I Use All the Time

I am brilliant when it comes to brainstorming reasons why I shouldn’t work out. It’s too cold in the winter, too hot in the summer, too rainy, too sunny, etc., etc., etc…

I know I’m not the only person who makes up these ridiculous excuses. But I feel like I’m better at it than most. So here’s a list of the 5 dumbest excuses I make to myself to get out of exercising.

1. It’s Raining: I can’t go out there. There’s water falling from the sky. Water! I would have to walk four blocks and water might get on me.

Really? You’re rolling your eyes and thinking that even I am not that stupid. But I swear to you that I thought this exact thing yesterday before going to the gym. I also say this when it gets too cold. I’m a child of Southern California. I don’t inherently understand putting on more clothes just to go out. On the West Coast, we just… go out… as is. But I really have to ask myself, “Is it ok to not go to the gym because I don’t want to put on a parka and hold an umbrella?” The answer, of course, is “No, that’s lame.”

2. I’m Tired: So instead I’ll go home and sit on the couch, oscillating watching between watching How I Met Your Mother and falling asleep. Because that’s so how I want to remember living my life when I’m old.

Everyone knows that the more you exercise, the more energy you have. So the solution is obvious- drag your butt to the gym and get more out of your day. This is something I intellectually know. However, my lazy subconscious loves the couch.

3. I Have Too Many Other Things to Do: When I had a very demanding job, I used to say this all the time. Not only did I work 80 hours a week, I was responsible for very important things. Very Important Things!

But is there anything more important than your health? Plus, looking back, I may have been a more balanced, happier person if I had committed to exercise on a regular basis.

4. I’m Out of Shape: Are you kidding me? That’s the best time to go work out. When you haven’t exercised in a while, running one mile turns into a major work out. Enjoy that time. Because soon you’ll have to run two miles, then three, then ten to get the same amount of burn. Walk into that gym with pride! This is harder for you than it is for the gym rats and, for that, you are awesome.

5. I’m Hungry: Don’t laugh. I’ve used that excuse. I forget to bring a snack and feel like I just can’t go to the gym straight from work.

The reality is that I’ll survive an hour without food.  After all, I’m going to the gym because I’m overweight. I could probably survive a couple weeks on a deserted island.

Ok, readers, what did I miss? What are your best excuses for not working out? Or do you identify with mine?