If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me share photos with the #NoExcuses hashtag. That’s because I am participating in the Sweat Pink#NoExcuses challenge.
Each day there is a fitness or health related task that we are supposed to complete and share about on social media (do 10 burpees, share a healthy recipe, etc.). Augusta Active, Shower Pill, ActivMotionBar, FlipBelt, and Beaming with Health are offering prizes, but I’m mostly in it for the fun. Maybe that’s why I was stopped in my tracks when I saw Erin Brown’s Facebook post complaining about the “no excuses” fitness mantra.
(If you didn’t see Erin’s post, you can read it here.)
Now, I don’t know Erin, and I don’t even know if she was referring to the SweatPink challenge hashtags, so I didn’t comment on her post, but it did get me thinking.
I use the #NoExcuses hashtag to reinforce my commitment to participate in this challenge, and my decision not to make excuses even if I have to do my planks while dinner cooks because I forgot to do them during my morning workout time.
When I use the #NoExcuses hashtag, I am not saying that you or anyone else should participate in the challenge, I am not saying that working out should be a priority for you or anyone else, and I am not saying that there are no excuses for skipping a workout.
When I was first figuring out how to fit regular workouts into my busy schedule, I was inspired and motivated by others who managed to get it done despite work, family and other obligations, and I share my #NoExcuses accomplishments in that same spirit: If I can do it, maybe you can too.
Another reason why I didn’t comment on Erin’s post is because I feel her pain. I may be fine with “no excuses” but I can’t stand hearing about “clean” eating–it’s like nails on a chalkboard! (You can see my full vent on this topic here). And, every time I see the meme about never regretting a workout, I think of several reasons why someone probably would have regrets about their workout.
So, I appreciate Erin stepping up and speaking out about the “no excuses” mantra, even if I am one of the people she is complaining about!
[Tweet “In defense of #NoExcuses #SweatPink”]
Is there a popular fitness mantra that rubs you the wrong way?
If you want to join me in the #NoExcuses challenge, you can sign up here — there’s a $5 fee if you are not a Sweat Pink Ambassador.
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I am having fun with the no excuses campaign. I believe the intent was to motivate the cohesive group of ambassadors and form more of a support. I don’t believe the intent was to make anyone else feel bad about their workouts. The mantra that bothers me is “no pain no gain” because often when there is pain during a workout something is wrong!
Yes! That’s another one that can backfire!
I have no problem with the #noexcuses mantra but like you I have other mantras that rub me the wrong way and I think everyone does. To each their own!
Interesting. Like you, I’ve been enjoying the #noexcuses challenge – clearly I don’t think it’s intent was to make anyone feel bad…in fact just the opposite. Clearly different things inspire and motivate different people – I’m sure there are mantras that rub me the wrong way too.
I’m like you – I can usually see both sides to all of the different “debates” on things that set people off. I think we all have different things/sayings that motivate us and I say – Whatever works for you is great!!!
I say “suck it up” a lot but only to myself (well, actually to my family since it is one of our family jokes!). I know that phrase might not motivate others so I just use it for myself:)
I love “suck it up buttercup” but I rarely say it out loud. 😉
Definitely so many different sides to the story. I love the reasons that you are doing the “no excuses” challenge (and the intent of the Sweat Pink challenge). And I can see how someone may be annoyed with the “no excuses” phrase when it’s used by others in a much more judgmental manner. I hope that makes sense! I don’t care for the phrase that you never regret a workout!
To be honest when I first started posting with the #noexcuses challenge I had mixed feelings about it for this very reason – that people would be offended because sometimes things do get in the way and you just can’t fit in the workout. Case in point the first week I did the challenge I wasn’t able to fit in the challenges until middle of the week, but I did all three as soon as I had time because I was so motivated seeing everyone else make time. Too often it seems like people feel the need to defend their choices, when really it doesn’t matter what others do as long as you are happy. I try not to judge other people for whatever motivates them, and I hope that people would do the same for me.
It sounds like you have the right approach. I already know I won’t make this week’s challenges — no buddy to workout with on Thursday. That’s not an excuse, just my reality!
I think it is important to work out as often as you can and to not use bullcrap excuses. But if you are really sick or hurt or something to know that.
Yes, there are legitimate reasons to not workout, but there are also lame excuses!