No More Excuses!

Health problems related to a sedentary lifestyle are on the rise year after year: muscle atrophy, weakened bones, excess weight, an overworked heart, diabetes, anxiety, depression. Research clearly shows that inactive individuals get sick more often, live shorter lives, take more medication, and visit hospitals more frequently. The result? A reduced quality of life.

And yet, despite growing awareness of these risks, only one in two Quebecers gets enough physical activity, according to the World Health Organization. Why? Simply put, we’re good at coming up with excuses.

On the surface, these excuses may sound reasonable. One of the most common? “I don’t have time.” But we all get 24 hours in a day. Consider Barack Obama, former President of the United States—despite immense responsibilities, he made fitness a priority. Because that’s what it is: a choice.

Another popular excuse is fatigue. Ironically, regular exercise boosts energy levels and promotes better sleep. What about the cost of a gym membership? Ask yourself how much you’d spend on healthcare if you don’t take action now.

How to Stay Motivated

Half of those who start a fitness program give up within the first six months.

One major reason is a lack of motivation. Many wrongly believe motivation is something we acquire and keep. In reality, motivation is built over time—and it’s fragile.

The Benefits of a Trainer

Science shows that success is more likely when we take a structured approach to fitness. A kinesiologist can guide you with training methods tailored to your personal needs. A well-designed, progressive training program can boost both your physical capacity and your motivation.

Set Simple Goals

Goal-setting is a powerful driver of motivation. Give yourself both short- and long-term targets. These should be simple, specific (e.g., number of workouts per week and scheduled days), and measurable (e.g., kilometers run, waist size). This will help you track progress and highlight improvements in your physical health.

And don’t forget to reward yourself! Even a simple “Good job!” for showing up at the gym can go a long way.

If you make it past the critical 6-month mark, your motivation becomes more intrinsic and less reliant on external rewards. You’ll work out not for praise or results, but for how good it makes you feel—mentally, emotionally, physically.

But beware: no one is immune to quitting. Keep reinforcing your habits.

Better Health = Better Life

So ask yourself: what are your priorities?