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Get Rid of These 5 Workout Excuses and Start to Exercise

A man and a woman stretching their legs outdoors before exercising

Medically reviewed by Itzel Aguayo, MD. General PhysicianLast reviewed:

Reading time: 2 minutes

About the author: Dra. Itzel Aguayo is a Surgeon and Obstetrician who graduated from the University Center of the Coast. She is a bilingual member at Hospital CMQ, in Spanish and English. Dra. Aguayo is characterized by her highly prepared service, following first-class medical standards. She is highly trained in emergency medicine and is a strict follower of medical qualification requirements. 

Quick answer

Most workout excuses come down to time, energy, or motivation — and most have a realistic workaround that doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small, consistent movement adds up more than an all-or-nothing approach to exercise.

"I Don't Have Time"

Exercise doesn't need to be an hour-long gym session to count. Three 10-minute walks throughout the day provide real cardiovascular benefit, and even short bursts of activity — taking the stairs, a quick set of squats while dinner cooks — add up over a week.

"I'm Too Tired"

It can feel counterintuitive, but light to moderate exercise often increases energy rather than depleting it, partly by improving sleep quality over time. Starting with something gentle, like a short walk, is often easier to sustain than pushing through exhaustion for an intense workout.

"I Don't Know What to Do"

You don't need a complex program to get started. Walking, bodyweight exercises, or following a beginner video at home are all reasonable starting points; a plan can always get more specific once the habit is established.

"I Don't See Results"

Physical changes often lag behind other benefits like better sleep, mood, and energy, which tend to show up first. Tracking non-scale progress — how you feel, stamina, strength — can help sustain motivation while other results build over weeks to months.

"I'll Start Monday"

Waiting for a perfect starting point often delays things indefinitely. Starting with something small today — even a 10-minute walk — builds momentum more effectively than waiting for the ideal moment.

Everything in One Place

If a health condition is part of what's holding you back — joint pain, fatigue, or uncertainty about what's safe — our medical team can help identify a starting point that's appropriate and sustainable for you specifically.

Not sure what kind of exercise is safe for you? Ask our team for guidance.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Physical activity basics
  • American Heart Association — Getting started with exercise
  • Mayo Clinic — Exercise motivation
Dra Itzel Aguayo

Itzel Aguayo

Hospital CMQ Health Provider

Dra. Itzel Aguayo is a Surgeon and Obstetrician who graduated from the University Center of the Coast. She is a bilingual member at Hospital CMQ, in Spanish and English. Dra. Aguayo is characterized by her highly prepared service, following first-class medical standards. She is highly trained in emergency medicine and is a strict follower of medical qualification requirements. 

She has a certification in Cardio-Brain-Pulmonary Resuscitation from the Mexican College of Emergency Medicine.

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Frequently asked questions

How much exercise do I really need to see benefits?

Even amounts below general guidelines provide some benefit — any increase in activity from your current baseline is a meaningful step in the right direction.

Is it better to exercise in the morning or evening?

The best time is whichever one you'll actually stick with consistently; both have some research-supported benefits, and consistency matters more than timing.

What if I have a health condition that limits exercise?

Many conditions still allow for some form of safe activity — a conversation with your doctor can help identify what's appropriate for your specific situation.

How long until exercise starts feeling easier?

For many people, the first few weeks are the hardest; noticeable improvement in stamina and how exercise feels often develops within about a month of consistency.

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