We all understand the importance of Keeping Fit – it’s good for our physical and mental health, for starters. But how many of us actually take part in any form of keep fit Exercise during the week? Before you raise your hand, be aware that we aren’t talking about lifting the tv remote to switch channels or walking upstairs to the loo. We are talking about time in the gym, taking part in a sport, and making the opportunity to stretch your legs in the great outdoors (your garden doesn’t always count). Some of us do keep fit, of course, and we have felt the benefits of exercise. For others, the following excuses probably come into play.

Excuse #1: I’m not good at sport

If you make this excuse, we are betting it’s based on your childhood experiences. You know what we mean, those terrible PE lessons with a tyrant of a gym teacher and the scathing remarks from your peers. You may have given up at the first hurdle when the criticisms started, and you have been living with the misconception that sport isn’t for you for the rest of your life since then. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start again, getting over your self-esteem issues around sport by trying something you might enjoy. And of course, you aren’t limited to physical activities with others. Taking up running or walking alone is perfectly acceptable if you still have that fear of other people digging at you. You may or may not be good at sport, but that is no excuse for continued lack of exercise.

Excuse #2: Keeping fit is bad for you

Countering the argument that keep fit is good for us, many people switch the argument with this excuse. They will talk about people keeling over mid-exercise through heart attack or injury. They will talk about the terrible accidents that occur during physical activities. They will list the number of fatalities that have happened in the world of sport. Now, there is some truth in the argument. Yes, there are those people who overexert themselves in exercise, and that can lead to health issues. Despite safety precautions in sport, such as the importance of mouthguards in rugby, there are still those who disregard common sense. Some activities shouldn’t be taken up by those with prevailing health issues. But to say keeping fit is bad for you is a poor man’s excuse. There are many more benefits to taking part in exercise than not, so this is one argument those with this excuse are unlikely to win.

Exercise #3: Exercise is boring

For starters, who said everything in life needed to be fun? Those who say exercise is boring are the kind of people who say everything in life is boring! They say it because they just can’t be bothered to lift themselves out of their already boring routine of lying in bed for hours or sitting in front of the tv binge-watching Jeremy Kyle. However, exercise doesn’t have to be boring at all. There are many fun ways to keep fit, including dance aerobics, motion-controlled video games, and by playing your favourite sport. Exercising alone can be boring for some people, but if this is you, take up a team game or find yourself a gym partner to keep you company during your keep-fit routine. Alternatively, set up a home-gym and play your favourite tunes to keep yourself motivated.  Exercise can be fun – but even if wasn’t, a life of infirmity and illness is infinitely more boring and painful than the alternative!

Final word

There is no excuse for not keeping fit. Even those with prevailing health conditions are able to exercise under medical guidance. If you identified with any of the above, do yourself a favour and snap out of the inaccurate ‘truths’ you are telling yourself. For a longer life and better health, make time for exercise without a misguided excuse!