Most training routines are not easy. And let's face it, there is no such person who always wants to train. Often, we look for excuses in all ways to justify our own laziness. In this article - a little serious, and a little tongue in cheek – we take a look at the most common training excuses.
Excuse one: I think I'm coming down with something, it's better not to risk it.
The onset of a runny nose or a sore throat? If you're looking for an excuse to skip training, this is a foolproof reason. You won't risk getting sick. Better lie on the couch.
Excuse two: The weather's awful.
A perfectly understandable reason for someone who runs outdoors or rides a bike. It is difficult to do this during a downpour or snowstorm. However, when you exercise indoors and you have a few hundred meters to walk to the bus stop or car park, admit it - it's an average excuse.
Excuse three: There are more important responsibilities than training.
That's true. Professional and family responsibilities take precedence. But let's not excuse ourselves with a pile of ironing or the need to reply to business e-mails. A little discipline and everything can be prioritised.
Excuse four: This workout isn't doing me any good!
Well, do you know what it should be doing? What are the assumptions of this training, what is your macro-plan for the coming months? It often happens that we get to a stage where we do not see clear progress, and training begins to resemble boring rehabilitation, not sports. It's time to change that - a new way of exercising, quick, dynamic workouts instead of tedious long sets of identical repetitions. The possibilities are virtually endless. Skipping training is the worst idea.
Excuse five: It's a waste of money for a gym membership, there are more important expenses.
In fact, it's a waste of money for a subscription if you don't want to exercise and skip training. Maybe start running, walking with poles or do anything else that will not require financial investment. And you can buy a gym or swimming pool pass when you find out that the training routine gives you satisfaction.
Those who want, find a way. Those who don’t look for excuses.
This sentence is repeated by all coaches and trainers, not only sports ones. It is about the attitude towards a duty or challenge. If we want something, we will look for any means to achieve it. An example are children fascinated by football who do not need professional equipment, shoes, or pitches. They want to play anytime and anywhere. And they will always find a reason to go outside and play with their friends. Or kids in love with horse riding, who simply cannot be pulled out of the stable, would prefer to spend the night there.
The mere fact of coming up with frequent reasons to skip training should make you think about whether you really want to train. Do you do it "because you have to, because you need to lose weight, get back in shape"? Find an activity you don't want to miss.
Force yourself to go or let it go?
It all depends on how often you have such a bad day. Once or twice a month? It's normal. If you really can't or don't want to, then let it go. Every third or fourth workout? Not good. Think over and probably re-work your training plan, because the current one is clearly beyond your capabilities.
Professionals have bad days too.
And a whole set of excuses, often convincing. No matter what level and how often you train, sometimes you just don't feel like it. And here it turns out that group or even pair training has a certain advantage. Your tennis partner is going to be angry if you let them down. Teammates will also not be happy and eventually stop asking you to train - The only problem is leaving the house.