Why Exercise Matters—And Why Your Excuses Don’t

17 Sep Why Exercise Matters—And Why Your Excuses Don’t

“May I be brutally honest with you?”

This week, I’ve seen a rising number of clients coming in with pain due to inactivity. As a physiotherapist, whenever someone presents with new pain or a shift in their usual pattern, I become a bit of a detective. I dig into their habits, trying to uncover what might have triggered the discomfort. Lately, I’ve seen a common thread: more people suffering from back pain due to lower activity levels.

And it’s understandable—especially when the days get colder, even the most active people can find it harder to get moving. Have you noticed this too?

But here’s the hard truth (based on both research and experience): our bodies are NOT made for inactivity. In fact, they are designed to move, to work, to carry out the basic functions of survival. Think about it—we evolved to walk long distances, gather food, squat to cook, and rest only when necessary. Our modern lives have taken us away from this natural rhythm, and as a result, we often find ourselves stiff, sore, and fatigued.

I’m often asked why people get so sore and stiff, and I truly believe it’s because we aren’t following one simple recommendation: move for just 30 minutes, five times a week. It doesn’t take much to give your body what it needs to thrive.

Ideally, those 30 minutes should include walking three times a week and two 30-45 minute sessions of strength training. And no, I’m afraid that gardening, housework, or chasing after kids doesn’t count. Neither does just walking. While these are all great for the mind and body, they don’t satisfy the body’s need for resistance training. Strength work is essential to preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Without it, the body starts to break down, becoming more prone to injury and pain.

Are You Getting Enough Exercise?

Ask yourself: are you hitting five sessions per week? And, more importantly, are two of those sessions strength-based? If not, it’s time to start prioritizing. Let’s break down some common excuses I hear and simple solutions to overcome them.

Excuse #1: “I’m too tired to exercise.”

This is one of the most common reasons people avoid exercise, but here’s the kicker: exercise actually gives you more energy. It increases your overall blood flow, pumping oxygen and nutrients to your brain, muscles, and tissues. Plus, it releases feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which boost your mood and energy levels.

Solution: When you’re feeling too tired, start small. Low-intensity activities like walking, biking, or Pilates are perfect. Gradually, add moderate-strength exercises like Pilates, and you’ll notice the boost in energy and mood.

Excuse #2: “I can’t afford strength training.”

I hear this one a lot—usually from people who somehow manage to afford multiple streaming service subscriptions. Strength training doesn’t have to break the bank. Many health funds cover our evidence-based classes, which are safer and more effective than unstructured gym workouts.

Solution: Start with walking, which costs nothing. Then, consider attending just one class per week, which you can claim on your health fund. Once you’ve learned the moves, you can practice them at home or join our online sessions. Trust me, the cost of not exercising—injuries, back pain, and lost quality of life—far outweighs the investment in your health.

Excuse #3: “I don’t have time.”

In today’s busy world, this is a big one. Between work, kids, and daily responsibilities, finding time to exercise can feel impossible. But here’s the reality: we all have time; we just need to prioritize it.

Solution #1: Schedule your workouts like any other appointment. Make them “non-negotiable.” Once it’s in your diary, commit to it.

Solution #2: How much time do you spend watching TV or scrolling through social media? Don’t allow yourself these activities unless you’ve exercised that day. For extra motivation, find an exercise buddy to keep you accountable.

The Bottom Line: Stop Making Excuses

At the end of the day, your body is meant to move. It takes just three months to form a habit, so why not start today? Build up your body and extend your health span, instead of letting it break down.

And if you’re not sure where to start, try one of our classes. I see the difference in our clients every week. Those who stick with it build incredible strength and resilience, outpacing their peers. So, what’s stopping you? Let’s get moving—your future self will thank you!