Favorite Excuse to Skip the Gym (and rebuttal)

jefedesalto

So today I really wasn't feeling it and had a hard time conjuring up the motivation to go work out. I went through my Rolodex of excuses in my head.

My favorite excuse is: If I skip today, I'll be sure to make it into the gym on Saturday. But then Saturday comes around and I'm busy so I don't go. What I do, is I have a photo album on my coffee table full of my fat pictures. One look at these and I instantly feel guilty that I even considered skipping a work out.

So what I wanted to do here was have you guys all list your favorite excuses for skipping the gym and how you overcome the urge to not go. Maybe some of your ideas can help others with motivation trouble.

uncbluci

It's too cold--- I'll warm up by working out!

I'm tired-- nothing like a good workout to get energized (I have a sticky note in my car reminding myself that no matter how tired I am, working out will feel great. I wrote it once when I was so exhausted but forced myself to go and was so glad after)

junipearl

I just remind myself that I will lose all the progress I've made if I start making exceptions for myself this early in the game. That usually does away with any excuse lol

derekj222

I'm tired ---- going to the gym wakes you up

I went the past 5 days --- what if you can't go tomorrow? 2 days off in a row! That can't happen!

I'm so busy -- but I'm watching an hour of TV right now

The gym is too far (used to be the case) ---- your goal weight is even further away!

ejwme

That Time Of The Month, or if I get a really bad cold or the flu is about the only excuse that makes me NOT want to run. Usually I'm coming up with excuses to run more, 'cause it's fun.

The only thing I've found to be effective at countering it is "I can ditch my run if I put my running clothes and shoes on, go outside, walk down the street to the first intersection, and jog across the street. Then I have permission if, after all that, I physically can't continue, I can then turn around and go back home and hide under the covers the rest of the day."

I usually find that continuing on is no worse than turning around, so I just go ahead and finish the run. Then after a shower I get to go and hide under the covers for the rest of the day guilt-free. Only once did it not work (I actually did turn around and go back home), but it turned out to be an actual medical emergency and I didn't feel to bad for skipping a day.

meshashesha2012

too tired after a long day at work : i'm not going to go to sleep anyway. just go do an hour and come home and relax

neverstray

Sometimes I tell myself, I'll just do it tomorrow, but then I start to go through my schedule, which is somewhat rigid, and I think, well tomorrow is a rest day and I wont be able to workout anyway, which then pushes it to the next day which is a leg day, and that will push that out, which will eliminate my Sunday rest day...or something like that. My schedule is tight, and any changes upsets the entire thing.

tuffytuffy1

This week it is because I injured my lower back, turns out x-rays show I have crazy scoliosis! No wonder my back hurts all the time. But I am making sure I do rest it up, and not actually talk myself into going to the gym anyway - I need the week off to recoup.

But typically, I will say, "I'll do it tomorrow." Then I realize I will probably not do it tomorrow, so I better just do it now while I am thinking about it.

capnrus789

The gym costs money. *checks wallet* Yup, still don't have any. Guess I'll do some push ups in the kitchen then go for a run.

It's raining outside? Yeah, OK, put on a jacket, cupcake. It's just a little water.

It's really friggin' cold! Ok, add another layer and some wool socks.

It's snowing! - Run slower, wear a hat and gloves. Cupcake.

NocturnalGirl

There is no excuse for me! I loveee the gym. The only thing that might stop me is if I'm seriously injured

penrbrown

I'm tired - working out makes me more tired...
I have a headache - working out makes the headache worse...
I hurt my knee - working out will aggravate the injury (depending what I do)...
I hurt my back - working out will aggravate the injury...
I don't have time - I could lose an hour of sleep I suppose...
but that would lead me back to;
I'm tired...

rwhawkes

I have this small voice in my head that taunts me to slack off, to not work my cardio so hard, to not do that last lift when the muscles are fatigued.

Lately I have been telling the small voice to STFU.

I have a big goal and that small voice can go straight to hell.

It's having listened to that small voice that put me where I am. I'm done with it.

Kerri_is_so_very

"I forgot my workout clothes" - I've since rented a locker to keep spare everything in (including extra stuff for my kids since they are both there daily and constantly forget bathing suits and gymnastics stuff).

makenoexcuses

"Too much stress from people at school or work" - Working out will increase endorphin's and soon you'll forget about all those people you want to punch in the face.

LovePBandJ

I don't even need a good excuse. Just not "feeling like it" can serve to derail progress.

My mantra that gets me to go "you will feel AMAZING when you are done." My mantra is always right. I've NEVER left the gym and felt bad. It can even reset a day not going too well.

sammniamii

i'm in alot of pain - when are you not in pain, might as well add more ontop. if you do enough damage then you can stop...

so far i keep returning, abeit I'm still in pain and damn it, why is it worse now that I've lost 60+ pound, not better! Evil stupid doctors

megalin9

"It's soooo hard!" - "Easy won't make you strong and fit!"

"I'm just not motivated today." - "So? Do you want it? Do you have will-power? Want it bad enough and make yourself do it!"

"I can't breathe." (this is me for real this week) - "Do SOMETHING."

cmpollard01

Had this issue this morning!

Me: but i have a headache bordering on a migraine, and this weather system is making my joints hurt
Boyfriend (who decided to spend the night last night): Get up! (as he yanked the covers back off of me...so I'd get up and he could go back to sleep!)

Usually, I just remind myself of how far I've come. But I like your photo album idea...I might have to steal that!

dcglobalgirl

This is a great idea!

Mine is "I can do it tomorrow", then I usually realize I won't.

If I don't want to go for a run on the weekend, I usually tell myself it's okay to just walk.

ToughTulip

I am so tired im feel like i could fall asleep in class. I have a lot of studies to do tonight. Maybe I should nap instead of workout so I can study better

Have yet to figure out the rebuttal... any help? xD

LeenaRuns

I actually have a hard time taking rest days. I have to make an excuse to do that instead! I love lifting, running, going to yoga. Such an addiction!

Br4ndi

My husband and I both get up at 5am to workout. He goes to the gym and I head down tot he basement and do whatever P90X video is the video of that day. it makes it easy since he is also getting up and at 5am other than sleep there is nothing in the way. I also have a friend come over and join me and I know if I don't get up she will be knkocking on the door!!

richardheath

This has got me thinking! Good OP!

I usually make it to the gym on my strength training days - I tell myself I'm on a program there, and I have to stick to it.

But I sometimes skip cardio days. Which, thinking about it, could be because I don't have a schedule. I just kind of go for a run, or do some time on the elliptical. Or not, if I'm with my girlfriend, or dealing with kids that night (my time is split between the 2).

Hmmm - looks like I need to schedule my cardio more "formally".

neverstray

When I don't feel like running, usually, I have some sort of event to run in. It seems like I always have something scheudled. So, usually right when I sign up for something, I set up a training schedule. So, when I don't feel like running, I remind myself o0f the event I am training for, and how I will get behind if I don't stick to it.

This works well for anything 10K and over.

icimani

It's been a long day. --- it's ALWAYS a long day. Just put the shoes on!

I'll get home too late. --- Dinner can be light - better for you anyway. Just put the shoes on!

My knees hurt. --- All the more reason to workout. The bike will get the knees moving; being in the warm water will feel god (I swim at a rehab pool); losing weight can only help - so just put the shoes on!

I don't want to. --- OK - if you don't go the gym then you have to do something at home like bike or Wii. Just put the shoes on!


Trying to do "no more than 2 days in a row of no intentional exercise".

JUST PUT THE SHOES ON! It's been my mantra lately. I've found that if I can motivate myself to just get into my gym clothes, then I'm fine for a workout.

GlutesthatSalute

Mine actually also works on indulging/cheat meals..

Excuse: Oh well I've already eaten bad today might as well count it as a Cheat DAY! Or skip the gym!!
Saving me: Well if you had one flat tire you wouldn't go around and flatten all the others before you changed it!

Excuse: I just blew out my hair n it looks and smells so good
Saving Me: Hanging a tight short dress I plan on wearing over the weekend near my mirror

Excuse: I'll be all sweaty and gross first thing in the am
Saving me: Remembering I'd rather be that than covered in clothing at the beach- Hello micro bikini

nonstopper

Id say - A bit tired, I think ill do the home workout on the bed with my partner :bigsmile:

karensoxfan

My only excuses are:

1. No clean workout clothes (esp. sports bras). Maybe need to buy more.
2. Feeling sick
3. Taking an intentional full rest day.

alpine1994

The only thing that stops me is stomach issues that I have. I know when it's bad enough that I physically can't exercise but I also know when it's mild and I will be fine, and that's when I push myself out the door even though I don't want to.

All other times, I'm dying to exercise! 12-13 hour days on my butt at work make me crave movement.

bokodasu

It always boils down to "I don't wanna" - and my immediate response is "ok, then! You can do the laundry or clean the kids' room or wash the dishes or scrub the kitchen or pay some bills or go through that pile of clothes for Goodwill or..."

Funnily enough, I'm never really interested in skipping the gym.

lacroyx

Others: It's pouring down rain/snow/other crappy weather and you are still going out in it to exercise?
Me: I have allergies. My doctor says I have to keep moving or they flare up.
Others: Oh, what are you allergic to?
Me: Excuses.