Every year, at least 3.2 million people die from physical inactivity, which is among top-five in the list of risk factors. According to a Colorado State University research, 9 out of 10 young people will look for excuses to avoid exercise, knowing that it is important for health.
According to Psychology Today journal, most people state body sweating, not wanting to shower, stepping out in cold/hot weather, time of the day, sore muscles/blistered feet, not wanting to mess their hair, and not being able to get out of a warm bed as an excuse to avoid exercise.
What's your excuse?
22-year-old Zoya Khan, an avid gym-goer and a University of Wollongong student, says she goes to the gym every day because she knows how important it is for her body now and in future. She thinks people who do not exercise are simply lazy.
“It comes from within. At the end of the day, just like people who are motivated will make sure they get out and move, lazy people will always find an excuse not to go to the gym or workout at home.”
Vivek Malik, who is in his 30s, says he does not exercise at all.
“No, I don’t follow a routine. I eat a lot which makes it hard to move. I make up my mind every day but after lunch and dinner, I change my mind. The only “exercise” I get it the walk to the nearest shop to get something to eat.”
He says every day he sees some of his colleagues pumping at the workplace gym in the morning and by 4 pm, they are exhausted because there is lots of work to do, too. He finds this a hard routine to follow.
"Lack of physical activity is also a cause for the increasing amount of depression and anxiety in young people."
However, Obaidullah Baheer, studying for an International Relations and Politics degree at UNSW, says he uses his gym time to relax, forget about the stresses of the world and do some self-reflection.
“Mental clarity is very important for me. I distract myself from problems by following an exercise routine.”
According to Melbourne-based professional trainer and fitness coach Maryam Nasim, most people say they don’t have the time to follow an exercise routine. Laziness is also a reason. However, she says, setting small and realistic goals can help. She suggests starting small from home if going to a gym is not an option.
“It will take some time to get the will to move. It will not come overnight. It is OK.”
“I notice people pushing each other on trains to get to vacant seats. With excessive use of technology, physical inactivity and growing laziness, they don’t realise that these seats are dangerous for us.”
She says lack of physical activity is also a cause for the increasing amount of depression and anxiety in young people.
She recently started her YouTube channel - Maryam Nasim Official - to cater to people who cannot go to a gym for different reasons.
“Don’t focus on your looks when you are exercising,” she says, “Your main goal should be staying healthy and fit from within.”
