According to official data from the National Family Health Survey-5, one in four Indians is now obese (NFHS-5). At the national level, obesity has climbed from 21% to 24% among women and from 19% to 23% among males. The issue is mainly due to a sedentary lifestyle, which has many other adverse effects on one’s health, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular ailments, Type-2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, arthritis, etc. Not only personal but diseases also affect one’s financial well-being as these impact your health insurance. You may need to pay a heftier premium, and in some cases, the insurer may reject the proposal if they consider the applicant a high-risk case. Despite this, people are usually reluctant to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Even if they follow a diet plan, working out is not on their list.
Here are Some Excuses People Generally Give to Avoid Exercise
1. ‘I don’t even have the time to breathe’
A reason quoted most often for not getting exercise is how busy someone is. Sure, our days are packed with so much activity that time seems to fly. But, as with everything else, you need to make time. Unfortunately, one cannot add more hours to the day, but you can steal some time from other not-so-important activities and dedicate it to exercise. Just 15 to 20 minutes of daily workout will hold you in good stead. So, instead of doom-scrolling, flipping channels or watching just one more reel, get up and going.
2. ‘I’m too broke to join a gym’
The last time we checked, public parks were free. Nothing compares to working out in the great wide open or even going for a run, walking, skipping the rope or riding the bicycle. Remember the good old physical education days? Do jumping jacks and twists. Besides, many walk-at-home videos combine cardio with fun steps to help you burn fat while enjoying the routine. Oh, let’s not forget the open-air gyms at many public parks. Another pro tip: compare health insurance and get one that includes perks such as wellness, discounts on gym memberships and suchlike.
3. ‘I’m too tired to work out’
All the more reason for you to have a fitness routine! It will build your stamina and make you more energetic sooner than you know it. No one expects you to be a gym rat or work out for two hours at a stretch. Start slow and easy; build it up as you go. You could also begin with stretches. It’s not exhausting and will pump you up with oxygen, which means more energy.
4. ‘I’m not overweight!’
It’s a misconception that only overweight people need to exercise. Workout is not crucial just for weight loss. It builds immunity, keeps you physically and mentally agile, is good for your heart and bones, regulates your blood pressure, and has many other benefits. Lean does not necessarily mean healthy. There’s a possibility of someone having an excess percentage of fat even if they are thin. So, chop, chop! Get going now.
5. ‘I can’t work out alone’
And you don’t have to. Find an exercise partner. Many like you do well when body-doubling or with some motivation from others. Seek them out and be in their company to keep each other pumped up. If you need some stimuli, rely on music or listen to a podcast. You will feel like you have company.
6. ‘It’s hot/raining/cold’
Weather makes for a better conversation starter than an excuse to skip a workout. If it’s hot, it means more melting of fat. Raining, and you can’t step out? Refer to point no. 2. Hint: spot jogging, walk-at-home videos, and skipping the rope. Bonus idea: go up and down the staircase. It’s the same as working out on a stepper at the gym. And, cold weather is a great time for physical activity. Know why? Because it forces your body to work more vigorously, including your cardiovascular system. So, your heart will be healthier. As you sweat less, you spend less energy, which means more efficient exercise.
7. ‘It’s boring’
True, doing the same thing continuously can get monotonous. But you don’t have to do what your heart is not into. Don’t fancy running on the treadmill or doing weights? Then don’t. Plenty of other regimes can keep you fit and even give you a good physique — dance, zumba, yoga, pilates, kickboxing, a sport, bicycling, or even a brisk walk. There’s so much to choose from, and every form has similar benefits with some specific ones. If you get bored quickly, you can shake things up by doing a mix of routines or doing something new every few months. The idea is to be on your toes.
Conclusion
Physical activity is vital to good health but one of the most ignored aspects of our life. People will have 10 excuses not to exercise when all we need is one good reason to do it: a healthy body and mind. Staying in good shape is also beneficial to our finances in the long run, as it means fewer visits to the doctor and chances of hospitalisation. Moreover, the insurer will consider your health status and lifestyle before deciding on the premium amount or even approving your proposal. The healthier you are, the less amount you may shell out for a policy.
