We all do it: when it’s time to get to the gym we come up with another excuse, some of which can be astutely creative. Those of us less imaginative just sit a few more minutes in front of the computer (or TV) and let sleep overcome us for an afternoon nap.
After all, as a senior I have “earned” the right to relax and spend my time any way I want to! Apparently I’m not alone in my ability to make exercise excuses.
Exercise Trends: Not Exercising Is Common
Every survey and health study we researched report dismally low numbers of people who regularly engage in exercise:
- According to the U.S. Health and Human Services, 74 percent of adults over eighteen don’t exercise regularly. Forty percent don’t get any leisure time exercise at all.
- Another resource reports that less than five percent of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
- More than 80 percent of adults do not meet the minimum guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.
- Only 25 percent of people aged 65 to 74 say they engage in regular physical activity.
Of the people I talk to, not many seniors disagree they should exercise more. Everyone knows how important it is for health. The problem isn’t knowledge. We know this, we’re not stupid, at least not generally. If you have lasted 50 to 65 years or more you probably aren’t an imbecile, weak, lazy, self-destructive, or suicidal.
Exercise Excuses, or Suicidal Intentions?
Yet, to not engage in regular exercise is suicide, albeit a long, slow, debilitating, and painful way to go. And since most of us are not suicidal, then why don’t we like to exercise? The answer may be found by looking at our ancestors, the cavemen and women who bequeathed our genes to us.
They were strong and lived by their wits. It was kill or be killed. They were either running after prey or running away from it.
In between, cavemen rested, recuperated, and restored their energy reserves. To do that, the body developed a hibernating-like conservation system. The human body is designed to expend energy and then conserve it selfishly.
Therefore, is it any wonder we have big tendencies to do nothing? It’s not surprising we make excuses to avoid exercise. Nevertheless, as modern men and women who don’t have tigers hunting them, we need to keep our senior bodies tuned and strong just to stay healthy and alive.
Best-Worst Exercise Excuses for Seniors
I used to say I have a Ph.D. in making excuses, so accustomed was I to convincing myself that something else was more important than exercising. (Like cleaning out my sock drawer, even though I don’t have one). Here are some of my best—or maybe worst—excuses:
- I don’t want to hurt myself, get bad knees, make my back worse, etc.
- It’s too hot/cold/wet/slippery/humid/windy/dark out, etc.
- I’m too out of shape, I couldn’t even do 10 minutes, what if someone noticed my tummy?
- I don’t have time, I need at least one hour, I don’t want to rush it, what’s the point in only 20 minutes?
- It’s too late to start now, I’ll wait until after vacation/the holidays/my diet/my birthday/his birthday/ etc.
What exercise excuses for seniors would you add to this list? The truth is, no matter what excuses seniors use, most of us can do something. Even 10–20 minutes can make a difference. If I have sore knees, I can work my biceps. Even with an injury, there’s always a body part functioning that can use some movement. When it comes to exercise, something is better than nothing.
The Seduction of Sedentary Urges
The senior caveman of today needs to override the genetic bias for relaxation. Don’t let the seduction of sedentary urges get in the way. Catch yourself when you make exercise excuses. Combine exercise with play, and use it to generate energy, drive and get into action! Think about how good you’ll feel when it’s over!
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