We asked our fitness instructor – the awesome James Clark from British Military Fitness to put on his best army voice and challenge us on the all our favourite reasons why we keep putting off getting fit. he shouted his answers right in our big pudgy faces.

1. I don’t have the time to train.

You can make time, train as part of your commute to work by running or cycling in. Wake up an hour early for a trip to the gym or run round the block, it’s a great way to start the day.

2. it hurts to train.

Training won’t cause excruciating pain, if it does then you’re doing it wrong, however, someone  who is new to training will experience mild discomfort in their first few sessions. this will gradually ease as your body adapts to it and your muscles and joints get used to the new movements and exercises. DOMS is the Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and this will kick in 24 – 36 hours after a session. this shows that you’ve worked the muscles and now they are repairing and recovering.

3. I don’t know what to do.

You won’t be expected to know what to do, that’s where we step in. Your gym should give you a thorough induction and assessment and write you up a programme. Regular assessments will make sure you’re on track to achieve your goals and make adjustments and changes where needed.

4. I like my food too much.

This is a poor excuse, there are plenty of mouth watering dishes and snacks out there that are very healthy and provide you with all the nutrients you need. if you’re exercising hard enough why not treat yourself to that take away, you’ll feel like you’ve earnt it and you’ll enjoy it a lot more – just not every night though!

5. Can’t afford it.

Some gym memberships can be pricey and not everyone wants to be tied down to a year long contract. Basic bodyweight circuits can be found on the internet for free and the beauty of circuits is that they can be performed at home in the front room, or if the people downstairs aren’t keen on you stomping about, head over to the park to work out in the outdoors. a good pair of trainers won’t break the bank and that is all you need to start running, although T shirt and shorts are recommended too!

6. Can’t be bothered.

You should be bothered, if your other half can put the time and effort in to get that buff body then you should too. if you’re boasting a beer gut you can rest your pint on, then can you blame her for eyeing up “that stacked guy” at the gym!

7. I work shifts.

Gym opening times vary, but now with the introduction of 24 hour gyms there’s really no excuse and there’s never a bad time to grab your iPod and get outside to pound the streets for a good session, day or night!

8. I don’t want to be the new skinny / fat guy.

Everyone’s had that first week at a new gym or workout class at some point and they’ll remember how it feels. At British Military Fitness we make a point of welcoming our new members and making them feel comfortable, this should be the same at any decent gym and it won’t be long until you’re not the new guy anymore.

9. What’s the point?

Regular exercise is proven to halve your risk of developing coronary heart disease, halve your risk of getting type 2 diabetes, reduce high blood pressure, promote bone density to protect against osteoporosis, reduce your overall risk of cancer, reduce your risk of depression and dementia in later life and improve your sleeping – I think I’ve made the point!

10. I have existing injuries / health problems.

Injuries and Health issues don’t necessarily prevent you from exercise, but need to be taken into consideration. Remedial training can build up strength in weak joints and repair muscles damaged from injury. Exercise is also proven to control conditions such as diabetes and prevent long term complications. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regime.

Related Stuff:

1. Blog – Keeping Fit before the Wedding
2. Blog – Fitness – getting In Shape Together
3. Fitness: Kettlebells before Wedding Bells
4. Blog – Six Months For a Six Pack
5. The O Coach: Coming Too soon (Part 1)