The No Excuses Guide to Summer Workouts
Every summer I swear I’m going to take advantage of the long days and warm weather by exercising more and getting in great shape. So before I waste any more precious time, I’m giving myself some straight talk and combatting my plentiful excuses to the summer workout with this No Excuse Guide. Maybe I’m not the only one who needs it?!
#10 I want to spend time w my family/friends
Great! There are big benefits to working out with a partner, including better results, greater stress reduction and, of course, more fun! Seriously, it’s been proven that whether it’s your spouse, your kids, a friend, or a neighbor, there are 3 big reasons that working out with a +1 trumps a solo routine every time.
#9 I don’t have the right exercise equipment
Gone are the days of needing a stairclimber, treadmill, Nordictrack or Bowflex to get fit and toned. According to US News and World Report, one of 2014's biggest fitness trends is bodyweight exercise. Bodyweight exercise or resistance fitness is exactly what it sounds like → using your own bodyweight for strength training, no special equipment required.
It is the perfect no-excuse workout because, really, what is keeping you from pumping out a few push-ups or sit-ups whenever you have a free 10 minutes? For extra motivation, do your workout with one of our experts. Here are a few of my favorites.
#8 I hurt my _____ so I can’t workout.
It can be frustrating to have an injury and not be able to do the activity you enjoy most, whether it’s running, mountain biking, weight lifting or your favorite class. But with rest, and of course your doctor’s recommendation on physical therapy and rehabilitation, there are usually other forms of exercise that you can try that won’t aggravate the problem, and can even strengthen muscles that will help heal an injury. Keep an open mind and celebrate any movement you can do. You might even discover a new favorite way to workout! Here are few ideas to get you started and remember to warm up– it can even reduce up to 50% of injuries!
Yoga for Athletes - Prevent and Heal Injuries
How to Do Pilates for Neck and Shoulder Injuries
#7 I’m bored with my routine.
It’s a terrible thing when it happens– the workout you fell in love with no longer motivates you. You remember being so excited to try it, saw the results, worked the routine, and then for one reason or another, you hit burn out. Don’t despair. Just take it as a sign to try something new. Variety is the spice of life whether for your palate or your muscles. Find that excitement again by choosing a new workout. Here are a few I’m excited to start:
HIIT High Intensity Interval Training
6 Weeks to Master Your Next (or First) Mud Run
#6 I’m so out of shape, I don’t even know where to start.
Getting started is always the hardest part so just get comfortable clothes on, grab the 20 minutes you have available, and go for it. If you’re not used to working out, you can start with relatively short, low impact routines that you can do 3-4 times per week because it’s far more important to exercise consistently. Focus on the success of finishing each workout and only thinking one day at a time. Each day you do a workout, is one more day towards a wellness habit that can truly change your life. Here are a few low impact routines that take 20 minutes or less. Or choose one of your own.
7 Minute Full Body Workouts for Beginners
#5 I’m on vacation!
It’s easy to think that a week off from exercise won’t matter, but it’s actually the perfect way to wreck your entire exercise regimen, and I’m speaking from experience. Exercise is a healthy habitthat you cultivate over time, and breaking that habit, even just for a few days, can put you right back at square one. Learn 4 great tips on how to keep (or start) a workout routine when you're on vacationand you’ll come back happier and stronger from your travels.
#4 It's too hot!
Summer heat is great for hitting the pool or having a BBQ but not so great for a long run or hike. When temperatures are as high as your target heart rate you can always bring your workout inside. Try one of these 5 celebrity workouts you can do at homeand sculpt your body like the stars do.
#3 I don’t have a gym membership.
Belonging to a gym is great, but it’s not always the luxury it seems. By the time you pack your bag, drive there, park, tuck your things in a locker, and get on your chosen equipment or in to the group fitness class, it can be almost half an hour and the workout hasn’t even started yet! Hear how home workouts saved one of our enthusiasts time, money and sanity. You can exercise outside with a walk, hike or bike ride, or inside with a Grokker video of your choice. But don’t let the lack of a gym membership be the roadblock to personal wellness.
#2 I’m too tired.
A funny thing happened the other day when I felt too tired to do my usual workout but mustered enough mental energy to pull up Grokker on my laptop. I discovered a number of classes that allow you to workout laying down and actually doing very little movement. And the best thing of all is I actually felt sore (in the best way!) the next day. You don’t have to jump around and drip sweat to workout. Next time you think you’re too tired to exercise, try these controlled movements that isolate and strengthen your muscles.
The Pilates Method - An Introductory Class
Fundamental Movements of Pilates - On the Mat
And if being tired is from getting too little, or poor quality sleep, see how meditation and yoga can help help you get better Zzzz.
#1 I don’t have time.
The honest truth about this excuse is it really means “it’s not a priority.” I love the saying “If you want to do it, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” But I also understand the reality of being busy and hardly having a spare moment in each day. So what’s the solution? Getting focused and getting creative! You can already save time by working out at home, but did you know you can workout while working? Or instead of thinking you need “you time” to workout, try fitting fitness into your family time with these 4 Tips for Being a Fit Family.
Every summer I swear I’m going to take advantage of the long days and warm weather by exercising more and getting in great shape. So before I waste any more precious time, I’m giving myself some straight talk and combatting my plentiful excuses to the summer workout with this No Excuse Guide. Maybe I’m not the only one who needs it?!
#10 I want to spend time w my family/friends
Great! There are big benefits to working out with a partner, including better results, greater stress reduction and, of course, more fun! Seriously, it’s been proven that whether it’s your spouse, your kids, a friend, or a neighbor, there are 3 big reasons that working out with a +1 trumps a solo routine every time.
#9 I don’t have the right exercise equipment
Gone are the days of needing a stairclimber, treadmill, Nordictrack or Bowflex to get fit and toned. According to US News and World Report, one of 2014's biggest fitness trends is bodyweight exercise. Bodyweight exercise or resistance fitness is exactly what it sounds like → using your own bodyweight for strength training, no special equipment required.
It is the perfect no-excuse workout because, really, what is keeping you from pumping out a few push-ups or sit-ups whenever you have a free 10 minutes? For extra motivation, do your workout with one of our experts. Here are a few of my favorites.
#8 I hurt my _____ so I can’t workout.
It can be frustrating to have an injury and not be able to do the activity you enjoy most, whether it’s running, mountain biking, weight lifting or your favorite class. But with rest, and of course your doctor’s recommendation on physical therapy and rehabilitation, there are usually other forms of exercise that you can try that won’t aggravate the problem, and can even strengthen muscles that will help heal an injury. Keep an open mind and celebrate any movement you can do. You might even discover a new favorite way to workout! Here are few ideas to get you started and remember to warm up– it can even reduce up to 50% of injuries!
Yoga for Athletes - Prevent and Heal Injuries
How to Do Pilates for Neck and Shoulder Injuries
#7 I’m bored with my routine.
It’s a terrible thing when it happens– the workout you fell in love with no longer motivates you. You remember being so excited to try it, saw the results, worked the routine, and then for one reason or another, you hit burn out. Don’t despair. Just take it as a sign to try something new. Variety is the spice of life whether for your palate or your muscles. Find that excitement again by choosing a new workout. Here are a few I’m excited to start:
HIIT High Intensity Interval Training
6 Weeks to Master Your Next (or First) Mud Run
#6 I’m so out of shape, I don’t even know where to start.
Getting started is always the hardest part so just get comfortable clothes on, grab the 20 minutes you have available, and go for it. If you’re not used to working out, you can start with relatively short, low impact routines that you can do 3-4 times per week because it’s far more important to exercise consistently. Focus on the success of finishing each workout and only thinking one day at a time. Each day you do a workout, is one more day towards a wellness habit that can truly change your life. Here are a few low impact routines that take 20 minutes or less. Or choose one of your own.
7 Minute Full Body Workouts for Beginners
#5 I’m on vacation!
It’s easy to think that a week off from exercise won’t matter, but it’s actually the perfect way to wreck your entire exercise regimen, and I’m speaking from experience. Exercise is a healthy habitthat you cultivate over time, and breaking that habit, even just for a few days, can put you right back at square one. Learn 4 great tips on how to keep (or start) a workout routine when you're on vacationand you’ll come back happier and stronger from your travels.
#4 It's too hot!
Summer heat is great for hitting the pool or having a BBQ but not so great for a long run or hike. When temperatures are as high as your target heart rate you can always bring your workout inside. Try one of these 5 celebrity workouts you can do at homeand sculpt your body like the stars do.
#3 I don’t have a gym membership.
Belonging to a gym is great, but it’s not always the luxury it seems. By the time you pack your bag, drive there, park, tuck your things in a locker, and get on your chosen equipment or in to the group fitness class, it can be almost half an hour and the workout hasn’t even started yet! Hear how home workouts saved one of our enthusiasts time, money and sanity. You can exercise outside with a walk, hike or bike ride, or inside with a Grokker video of your choice. But don’t let the lack of a gym membership be the roadblock to personal wellness.
#2 I’m too tired.
A funny thing happened the other day when I felt too tired to do my usual workout but mustered enough mental energy to pull up Grokker on my laptop. I discovered a number of classes that allow you to workout laying down and actually doing very little movement. And the best thing of all is I actually felt sore (in the best way!) the next day. You don’t have to jump around and drip sweat to workout. Next time you think you’re too tired to exercise, try these controlled movements that isolate and strengthen your muscles.
The Pilates Method - An Introductory Class
Fundamental Movements of Pilates - On the Mat
And if being tired is from getting too little, or poor quality sleep, see how meditation and yoga can help help you get better Zzzz.
#1 I don’t have time.
The honest truth about this excuse is it really means “it’s not a priority.” I love the saying “If you want to do it, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” But I also understand the reality of being busy and hardly having a spare moment in each day. So what’s the solution? Getting focused and getting creative! You can already save time by working out at home, but did you know you can workout while working? Or instead of thinking you need “you time” to workout, try fitting fitness into your family time with these 4 Tips for Being a Fit Family.