We all have them. The list of reasons why today is not the right day to start moving. But what if the excuses are the very thing standing between you and the life you want?
"I don't have time."
"I'm too tired."
"I don't know where to start."
"I'll start Monday."
"I'm not athletic."
"It's too hard."
Sound familiar? These are some of the most common reasons people give for not exercising. And they are all understandable. Life is busy. Bodies get tired. Starting something new is hard. But here is the thing about excuses: they feel true in the moment, even when they are not the whole truth.
Let's take them one at a time.
"I don't have time." Most of us have more discretionary time than we think. The average American watches several hours of television per day. That is not a judgment — rest and entertainment are legitimate. But if we are honest, most of us can find 20 to 30 minutes somewhere in the day if we decide it is a priority.
"I'm too tired." This one is tricky, because it can be true. But it is also true that regular movement increases energy over time. The fatigue that makes you want to skip the walk is often the very thing that movement would help. Starting small — even a 10-minute walk — can break the cycle.
"I don't know where to start." Start anywhere. Walk around the block. Do 10 squats in your living room. Follow a free YouTube workout. The perfect plan is not required. Movement is movement.
"I'll start Monday." Monday has a way of becoming next Monday. The best time to start is now, even if "now" is just a five-minute walk.
"I'm not athletic." You don't have to be. Exercise is not just for athletes. It is for every body, at every fitness level. Walking counts. Stretching counts. Dancing in your kitchen counts.
"It's too hard." Hard compared to what? Compared to the long-term effects of not moving? Compared to the energy, strength, and vitality you could have? Hard things are worth doing.
The Bible has something to say about this too. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Honoring God with our bodies is not about having a perfect physique. It is about stewardship. Taking care of what He has given us. And that includes moving.
