10 Reasons You’ve Quit Working Out and How to Start Again

Have you heard? It’s Guest Bloggers’ Week! And today Lindsey Banks, an outdoor adventurer and fitness-lover, is sharing with us the top 10 reasons you have quit working out. Lindsey has a passion for challenging others to pursue a fit life so they can always say “yes” to any exciting adventure that comes their way, without having to worry if their body is up for it. You can connect with Lindsey, get fitness advice and read more about her outdoor adventures at Fitlifepursuits.com.

We are now over halfway into the New Year. Have you been sticking with your workout plan?

If not, don’t get discouraged. There are 10 reasons why you have quit working out. Once you determine what has stopped you, you can learn how to start again to reach your goals.

10. You’re not sure what to do

Everyone has their own opinions about what is the “best” way to workout. It leaves a lot of us wondering: “What type of exercise should I do?” Should I walk, run, take yoga classes, lift weights, do HIIT — and on and on and on.

For most of us who just want to look and feel our best, there is no “perfect” workout. You just need to get out there and get moving! So, unless you are signing up for the next triathlon, just get up and do something — anything!

9. You don’t have any accountability

Going it alone is sure to lead to failure. It is very difficult for someone to stay consistently motivated without some accountability and encouragement. What happens on those days when you’re feeling tired? What about those busy days? If you don’t have someone holding you accountable to working out, those days will lead to excuses.

But, if you have someone holding you accountable to your plans and your goals, on the tired and busy days, that accountability is going to do just that — keep you accountable to what you committed to in the first place.

So make sure you have an accountability partner that is honest and strict with you about sticking to your plan. Invite some friends or join a challenge group to keep you going strong!

8. You haven’t scheduled it

If you have not scheduled when and where you are going to work out ahead of time, it’s likely that it won’t get done. When you don’t schedule your workout, you are leaving it to chance. Other things will come up during the day and you are more likely to forget about it. Not many people have extra time sitting around. You must make the time.

Each week, decide what days and what time you are going to work out. Just like if you were to schedule an appointment or a meeting, your workout should be on your schedule. Put it on your to-do list or mark it on your calendar. Pick a specific time of the day and commit to that time.

7. You don’t have a good reason to do it

Working out is a choice that you make. And you have to make that choice day in and day out. If you don’t have a good reason for doing it, you will stop. It’s as simple as that.

You really need to reflect on WHY you want to work out. General responses such as “I want to lose weight” are not going to get you very far. It won’t be enough to keep you going. Be specific about why you want to work out. If you want to lose weight, think about why you want to lose weight. Maybe you want to get fit so that you can enjoy more active time with your kids.

Whatever your reason is, you need to know what it is. Write it down and keep it in mind daily.

6. You stopped making it a priority

There a million and one things on your to-do list every single day and working out may fall to last on that list. When it does, it is easy to let all the other things have priority.

In order for you to stay consistent with your workouts, you have to make it a priority. If working out is not a priority for you, then something else will easily take its place.

One way to make exercise a priority is to do it first. When you get your workout done as soon as you get up each morning, nothing else can get in the way.

5. You’re not seeing results

If you’ve been working out really hard and you’re not seeing results, it is easy to get discouraged and quit. After all, you’ve put in all the effort and you get nothing to show for it.

As humans, we like to see immediate results, and when we don’t, it is hard to stay motivated.

One mistake you may be making is that you’re only measuring your progress by one method. If all you are doing is stepping on the scale, you may not be seeing the whole picture. Measure your progress in different ways to see the changes you’re looking for. How do your jeans fit? Do you have more energy? These things can reflect your hard work much better than a scale can.

4. You’ve come up with a million excuses

“I don’t have time.” “I don’t have the energy.” “I don’t like working out.” Whatever your excuses are, you can’t let them get the best of you. No excuse should come before being a healthier you.

To get the body you want, you’ve got to give up only one thing — your excuses.

3. You’re playing the comparison game

When we compare ourselves to others, self-doubt starts to set in.

Perhaps you see someone who is making more progress than you are. This can be discouraging. But, if you continue to compare yourself to others, you are more likely to give up.

Remember that each person is unique and that includes their fitness journey as well. Look at how far you’ve come instead of looking to others to compare. Check out this video to learn one quick fix that will help you bust out of the comparison trap for good!

2. You haven’t been consistent

A lot of us think that a few good workouts will make a difference. Let me be the bearer of bad news and tell you — they won’t. Reaching your goals requires consistency. If you can re-commit to working out at least 3 to 4 times per week, then you will begin to see the progress you want.

1. And the No. 1 reason you’ve quit working out is that … you’re not making it fun!

If you dread your workout every single day, you are likely to give up. Finding a workout that you can enjoy is crucial for sticking with it. Do you hate to run? Then don’t run! Do you hate to dance? Then don’t dance! Do you hate going to the gym? Then don’t workout in a gym! Find something you DO enjoy and do that!

Maybe you live near the beach and you love the sound of the ocean. Then commit to taking a long walk on the beach every morning. The amazing thing about exercise is that there are so many ways to do it! Find the way you like and do that!

Just remember, it’s never too late for a fresh start. —Lindsey Banks