Why do people wait until something big happens to them before they decide to make the changes they already know they need to make? We’ve had the opportunity to meet with thousands of people over the 6 plus years Recursive has been around. We’ve helped so many people get control of their health and fitness through exercise and nutrition. For those we haven’t been able to help (yet), there seems to be a trend and 3 reasons people are reluctant to get started.
Schedule
Finding time is a big reason we get when it comes to why people can’t eat better or workout, or even be active (walking, hiking, biking etc). Most of us lead very busy lives where time is extremely tight. We barely have time to spend with our friends and families while keeping up with our finances and homes, let alone add anything else that is vying for our time.
Our time is incredibly valuable. Working out and eating well can take time and that time is precious. However, if you don’t make the time now, you will be forced to give the time later. There are numerous studies showing the massive positive effect nutrition and exercise has on life expectancy and quality of life. The average person spends 35 minutes a day on Facebook. 35 minutes every single day! Take that time and use it to workout instead.
The trick here is a slight mindset change – we are never going to magically FIND time, we have to make our fitness and our self care a priority and MAKE the time. We are talking about setting aside a few hours a week to take those first steps.
Finances
Budgeting isn’t easy. With continuously increasing taxes, cost of living, vehicle prices, food, families to support, and all the little things that always seem to pop up, it can be hard to find a way to pay for something else.
We talk with many people that can’t afford to pay for a gym, or time with a Personal Trainer, or with a Nutrition Coach. Finances are real, but they are not an excuse. You can budget and upgrade to get help with movements and motivation (and we encourage this for your safety and accountability), but you don’t need that to start. Start now, start for free in your own living room. There are a lot of free on-line programs. We offer a free Two Week At Home Challenge – complete with emails and videos.
This really comes down to value. You DESERVE to take care of yourself. And the money you spend now to take care of yourself will actually give you time and save you money in the long run when you avoid sickness and medical expenses.
Motivation
Many people we talk to tell us the reason they are out of shape, have gained 30 lbs, or their doctor is worried about their heart health is because they have no motivation. As we learn to cram more into each day, by the time we’re home from work, it’s hard not to want to just sit on the couch and relax via Netflix, Facebook, or a good book.
How do you become motivated when you don’t have any? Confront reality. Statistically, not eating well and not working out raises your risks for life threatening illnesses and diseases drastically. Statistics are great to help see what a positive effect you can make on your life and enable yourself to spend more time with family and to help others far better by working out and eating right. This is a beautiful motivator in and of itself.
If you need more help, find a friend who can keep you accountable – the best is if you can workout together. A team of 3 is even better! Set a goal, and call each other and get it done. Join a gym to add even more motivation. Find a Coach who understands you and cares about you (not just your money, but really cares about helping you). There’s a big correlation to success in accountability. And there’s a big correlation to working out at a gym with a good Coach and supportive community and staying accountable and consistent.
Find group classes, getting to know 4-6 people very well by sweating and working hard together will make you want to keep coming back again and again. You can find motivation, all you need to do is look for it.
For most everyone we’ve talked with over the years, these three reasons are given by almost all of them for not starting at the gym right away. But here’s the truth, they aren’t reasons. They’re excuses.
After 10+ years helping and watching others help people learn how to make a positive difference in their lives, I can tell you honestly, none of the reasons above are valid. They truly are excuses. It’s tough to deal with the truth of excuses, but you can handle it. And, you can make a difference. You aren’t stuck, you don’t have to stay unhealthy. You are worth it. You deserve to take some time (and resources) for yourself to help you live a healthier, longer life. Do something about it.