5 B.S REASONS DAD’S TELL THEMSELVES WHY THEY CAN’T START TO EXERCISE

By PPT Coach – Sean O’Shea

The thing is, I’m certain there are plenty of guys out there living their lives a little differently to how they thought when Dad-life began.

Dads who thought they’d be outside jumping on trampolines with the kids… Only to lack the energy to do it.

Dads who looked forward to beach holidays with the family… Only to feel too self-conscious to take their shirt off and truly enjoy themselves.

Dads who imagined they’d be a role model of health and fitness to their kids… but now they worry about the example they set.

There are reasons why people don’t start a training program, and some of them are incredibly valid. For many of the people I talk to, one of the most common reasons is the stories they tell themselves!

Below, I break down the top 5 things Dad’s tell themselves about why they can’t start exercise, and how to overcome them.

“I CAN’T DO AS MUCH AS I USED TO. I USED TO TRAIN 5 DAYS A WEEK! IF I CAN’T DO THAT, THERE’S NO WAY I’M GETTING THE RESULTS I WANT!”

Unless you’re training for the Olympics, the chances are for most average Joes and Janes, you can get great results lifting weights 2-3 x per week with some general activity thrown in there for health. If you can do more, great! But if you feel you can’t get results on less, you’re wrong!

Most of the time, the training program you would have done in the past was crappy or outdated as well.

Research has shown that if you’re hitting muscle groups a couple of times per week, training hard enough when we do and getting a decent amount of work in on each session, you’re most of the way there.

“I’M OLDER NOW! I’LL GET INJURED DOING THE THINGS I USED TO”

Who says you’re going to be doing what you used to?

A good training program is written for the individual as they present AT THE TIME, IT’S WRITTEN.

Used to be able to Squat 100kg for reps when you played football in your late teens?

Good for you! But you’re 40 now so it doesn’t really matter….

The reality is coming back after a long layoff is tough. Mentally, we’re always comparing what we could do with what we’re able to now. It can be deflating! The sooner you’re able to get past what you used to be able to do and start focusing on what you can do now (and celebrating it), the quicker you can expect to progress.

Mortgage broker and business owner Michaels’ goal has always been to ‘age gracefully’ and through the right approach has gotten strong in the process!

“I’VE SETTLED DOWN NOW. I’M COMFORTABLE”

Ok, that’s great. You might be comfortable with how you look and your physical abilities, but what about your health?

The thing is, for most people that come to us, sitting down makes up most of their day. Sure, you can go out and walk, but if you’re not lifting weights or at least doing some strenuous exercise a couple of times per week, you are on a slow downward slope of health and wellness. It’s never too late to start, but getting ahead of it before you have issues is a better approach.

Not to mention, most people who start training, improving their health and looking better start to feel better too. You’re telling me that you wouldn’t benefit from looking and feeling a little stronger? Get outta here!

“I’M PAST THAT! PEOPLE LIKE ME CAN’T GET RESULTS AS I USED TO IN THE GYM”

Sure, it’s hard work (never said it would be easy), but that doesn’t mean you’re past it. You’re going to have to do things a little differently due to things like availability to train and injuries, but that shouldn’t stop you.

Many think that their metabolism drops off as they get older, which is true, but most of this has to do with your lack of movement and activity. You will lose muscle as you age, but that number seems closer to 60 years old or more and even then, you can still gain muscle, lose fat and get results.

It’s never too late to start lifting but it’s always going to be too early to stop. While you might not be setting world records in your 40’s, you can still build plenty of muscle, lose fat and retain what you do have all the way into your 80’s if you do the right things and stay active along the way.

PROOF – Luke was busy in both family and business BUT still getting it done!
“I’VE NEVER ACTUALLY TRAINED IN THE GYM. I CAN’T START NOW!”

Aren’t you just the luckiest person reading this blog!

One of the best times in a lifter’s life is when they start. The progression you make when starting out in the gym, both strength and fitness, will be unlike any you ever experience again. ‘Newbie Gains’ are a real thing and will be there to spur you along, no matter your age.

In short, your first year or so of training, no matter your age or circumstance will be glorious!

I know this might all sound harsh and confronting, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The best part about it is that YOU can change your own story.

It’s never too late to start. It’s not about where you start, it’s about how you finish. You might not want to change, and that’s 100% fine as well, but if what I wrote up top resonates with you, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

Need help and want to make a change? We’re here to help. Contact us and book yourself a consultation with one of our team today.

P.S. Want to know more? Score yourself a FREE copy of our PPT Guide to Good Health Ebook HERE