Excuses Excuses Excuses

So, you have examined the number on the scales, consulted the mirror, sucked in your belly and stuck out your chest whilst trying to contort your body into how you want to look.  There is nothing for it and you are about to enter the first state of change required and admit to yourself that something needs to change. That something is the realisation that this weight is not going to vanish by itself, that those arms are not going to tone themselves overnight, and by hoping to achieve it by lifting pint glasses down the pub, is not going to cut it!

The first excuse will suddenly appear though and this is usually, that you will take care of it tomorrow… eat more healthy, search for local gyms , trade in the mid-morning biscuit snack for a piece of fruit or some almonds, seek out some training apparel. You have had the realisation that things must change and so grab the bull by the horns and act upon it now.

The second excuse will be that lack of training gear. You have seen the adverts and peered in the window of a local gym and have seen on Instagram that the models don’t wear the kind of clothes you have knocking around your wardrobe. That t-shirt you were given free as part of a promotion, that you wear when attempting something vaguely sweat inducing. The leggings with the bobbles that have seen better days, and the pair of trainers that are nice and comfy, but not exactly at the cutting end of fashion. But here is the thing………. who cares?! You are there to work out and make life changing decisions and not alert the fashionista that you are in their presence. If you want to buy new clothes, then great, but don’t let it be a barrier to you starting out to achieve your goals.

But what realistically can I do? The gym is too far away, and lunch breaks are too short and my bus leaves for home straight after work. Your flat is small, and you have no equipment. So, it seems the dream of loosing weight and getting those toned arms have slipped away. The dream has gone, and any photos taken on holiday this year will as always, must be taken from an agreed distance. Wrong! What you have in your arsenal and what you have always been carrying around is you. Body weight resistance training is fantastic for all your needs. That sounds great but you don’t have the space. Wrong again! Move that coffee table and create that space you need. Literally all that is required is an outstretched arms width by the length of your body space, and you are most certainly good to go. 

But enter the next excuse…. But I do not have any expensive looking kit? Well as discussed body weight is fantastic, and combined with a chair and a table, many exercises can be incorporated into an all body workout, hitting all major muscle groups. Add in your next bit of kit that you always carry around as well, and you can open up the world of opportunities to do some cardio exercises. This bit of kit is your phone and more importantly the timer on your phone. You can even go a step further and download a FREE app for timing your cardio workouts. This is important as you can introduce yourself into the world of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). Couple this with learning moves from the internet and you really are set to embark on that weight loss campaign. We can also see that if you are in the confines of your home, then who cares what you wear! Stick on those shorts and t-shirts and trainers and get going. You can even go a step further and do it in your undies! The most important thing is that you are moving and exercising.

So, you have your body weight (hopefully this will decrease in time but always a massive asset), you have your free app and have learnt some moves (burpees, mountain climbers to name a couple). But now you feel that you can absorb more different types of training. But still no room for machines or even a set of dumb bells. Where to turn to? ………………. Resistance bands. These are small, light weight and cheap. The holy triumvirate of considerations for equipment in a confined space! These can also come with you on weekends away, or when away with work or when off on holidays. Again, there are many different moves to learn, for a complete body workout. They come in different tension variations, and so can work yourself up from easy through medium to hard resistance. A yoga mat for the floor, for especially when doing core work and you have a great setup for a home workout. This again can always be added to, if more space is found, or move to a new house. A suspension system for hanging in doorways or a pull up bar, again that can be added to a doorway when required, are great pieces of kit that take minimal storage and can be brought out when required.

Excuses can always be found and used as reasons not to take control and make the changes that you desperately want to make. Minimal kit, minimal space and those bobbly leggings and t-shirt are all you need to get started. Once you have started then who knows where this will lead. One thing is for sure…… to a new and more confident you. Those holiday beach snaps can now be taken from much closer, and with a big smile on your face.

Luckily, I specialise in training clients in the comfort of their own homes. Incorporating any equipment that they may have, with the equipment that I carry with me and bring to your front door. Get in touch and we can discuss your goals, and the best way to attain them. Please note that shorts and t-shirt must be worn!! 😊

Ben Beale is a mobile Personal Trainer living In Paulton, who travels out to clients in the surrounding towns and villages, and cities of Bath and Bristol.