Fitness

13 Excuses Super-Fit Chicks Never Make

Hate to exercise? These expert tips will motivate you to reach for your running shoes

by Sarah Carrillo

9 of 14

The Excuse: "I'm so frustrated with my progress" Frustration is totally normal when you're working toward a fitness goal. The key, however, is to understand how to work through it. First, Gervais says we need to realize that frustration is a secondary emotion; it's actually a reaction to hurt or fear. So ask yourself what you're afraid of, he says. "You may be fearful of some outcome, like 'All the work I'm doing is not going to pay off' or 'I'm not going to get where I want to be,'" says Gervais. When you know what's really bothering you, you can address that and make adjustments in your fitness plan to work through it.

Gervais also points out that frustration isn't actually bad. "Frustration is where growth takes place," he says. "Most people are trying on a regular basis to be comfortable, but that's not where true learning and growth happens. When you're frustrated, know that you're on the edge of the comfort/uncomfortable zone."

When you do get in that zone, Vokshoor says it's a good idea to stop, take a deep breath, and have a conversation with yourself. Remember that you're doing something great for you. Carrie Cheadle, MA, a sport and exercise mental skills coach, says it's also helpful to visualize yourself feeling strong and excited and motivated -- even when you're actually feeling the exact opposite. "Just by doing this you are planting those seeds in your brain and making it more likely that you will [continue]," she says.

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Excuse: "Exercise is overrated"

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Older comments

That's true not because you are skinny you can't eat anything. Exercise and proper nutrition is the key to be a healthy you

by Carl30 Friday, April 19, 2013 at 08:26AM Report as inappropriate

Great tips!

by tallredamanda Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 03:41PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting tip's... great advice if only I wasn't sick with LUPUS def. would love to be able to it all..

by Tlee Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 10:12AM Report as inappropriate

Dang! I just got my slap in the face.

by Sari Monday, January 7, 2013 at 09:34PM Report as inappropriate

Love this. It just killed every excuse I've ever made and some I never even thought of.

by NillaButterfly Monday, December 24, 2012 at 09:18PM Report as inappropriate

Darn, this article shot down all my excuses. Now I guess I'll have to get off my lazy butt and exercise!

by WiccanLady Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 02:40PM Report as inappropriate

Great article.

by nicky22 Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 11:41AM Report as inappropriate

This article does a nice job at pointing out hurtles in adopting a lifestyle of working out. It does not however emphasize the lifestyle changes needed to keep fit beyond working out. Simply creating habits like walking a mile to work from the bus stop and going out of your way to be thoughtful of the food you eat, makes a much greater difference in health than a rigorous work out regime without lifestyle change.

by summerlotus5 Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 06:11AM Report as inappropriate

Definitely guilty of a few of these

by kimihavens Monday, November 5, 2012 at 12:57PM Report as inappropriate

excuses come so easily! i used to do that and ever since i just stopped making them, i have been feeling so much better about myself and it feels great!

by danny54f Friday, October 12, 2012 at 09:00AM Report as inappropriate