Why Tomorrow is Always the Best Day to Start Your Fitness Journey. Funny fitness excuses over 50.

Why Tomorrow is Always the Best Day to Start Your Fitness Journey

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Let’s be honest — starting a fitness journey isn’t really about lifting weights or running laps.

It’s about battling the mountain of excuses we invent to avoid getting started.

We tell ourselves things like:

👉 “I’ll start Monday.”
👉 “I need new workout clothes first.”
👉 “Mercury’s in retrograde — the universe says no.”

Sound familiar? Trust me, you’re not the only one.

This article isn’t here to shame you or bark “no excuses!” slogans. Instead, we’re here to laugh together at the funny, relatable, and totally ridiculous reasons people (yes, even me!) delay their fitness goals.

By the end, you’ll have:

✅ A big smile
✅ A list of 100 excuses you’ve probably used
✅ Simple, no-pressure tips to finally break free and get moving

👉 So let’s dive in — and take the first small step toward a healthier, happier you today!

100 Funny Excuses Why We Delay Our Fitness Journey

  1. I’ll start Monday.
  2. I need new workout clothes first.
  3. It’s too cold outside.
  4. It’s too hot outside.
  5. I can’t find my headphones.
  6. The gym is too crowded.
  7. I don’t want to sweat today.
  8. I’ll wait until I lose five pounds first.
  9. I need to research the perfect workout plan.
  10. I’m waiting for my friend to join me.
  11. Netflix just dropped a new season.
  12. I’m sore… from doing nothing.
  13. I can’t exercise on an empty stomach.
  14. I can’t exercise on a full stomach.
  15. I just washed my hair.
  16. I just colored my hair.
  17. I don’t want to mess up my nails.
  18. The moon is in retrograde.
  19. My horoscope said “avoid stress.”
  20. I’m waiting for the perfect playlist.
  21. My pet looks too cozy to leave.
  22. My pet will be sad if I leave.
  23. I need to clean my house first.
  24. I should reorganize my closet.
  25. I need to meal prep first.
  26. I’ll wait until after the holidays.
  27. I’ll wait until after my birthday.
  28. I’ll wait until after the weekend.
  29. I’m still recovering from the last workout… three months ago.
  30. I don’t want to ruin my makeup.
  31. I forgot my water bottle.
  32. I forgot my gym shoes.
  33. The gym’s too intimidating.
  34. I need to buy a fitness tracker first.
  35. I’m too tired.
  36. I’m too energized (and can’t focus).
  37. I’m waiting for the right moon phase.
  38. I’m waiting until I feel “motivated.”
  39. I need to read one more fitness blog.
  40. I need to watch a YouTube tutorial first.
  41. I just ate a big meal.
  42. I’m afraid people will judge me.
  43. My favorite leggings are in the laundry.
  44. I’ll just walk extra tomorrow.
  45. I’ll just park farther away today.
  46. The gym smells weird.
  47. My workout mat needs to air out.
  48. I need to stretch first — for an hour.
  49. I’m too stressed.
  50. I’m not stressed enough.
  51. I’m binge-watching a fitness influencer… that counts, right?
  52. I need to buy pre-workout supplements first.
  53. I need to buy protein powder first.
  54. I don’t know how the machines work.
  55. I need to check my email.
  56. I need to check my socials.
  57. I need to scroll one more TikTok.
  58. I need to find a new gym.
  59. I’m afraid of commitment.
  60. My horoscope said “take it easy today.”
  61. Mercury is in retrograde. Again.
  62. My horoscope said “rest is productive.”
  63. I’m on my period.
  64. I’m almost on my period.
  65. I just finished my period.
  66. I need a nap first.
  67. I need coffee first.
  68. I need to clean my sneakers.
  69. My gym buddy bailed.
  70. I’m waiting for the perfect weather.
  71. I just vacuumed.
  72. I’m waiting for my gym membership to go on sale.
  73. I’ll start when I have more energy.
  74. I’m waiting for motivation to find me.
  75. I need to update my workout playlist first.
  76. I can’t work out because I need to scroll fitness Instagram.
  77. I’m waiting for my doctor to tell me I need to exercise.
  78. My favorite fitness YouTuber hasn’t posted a new workout.
  79. I have a hangnail that might get worse.
  80. I need to take before pictures first.
  81. I’m afraid I’ll get too muscular.
  82. I’m waiting for the right workout app.
  83. I need to find the perfect gym water bottle.
  84. I’ll start after this cheat meal…week…month.
  85. I just ate a salad, so I’ve done enough healthy things today.
  86. My zodiac sign isn’t compatible with today’s energy.
  87. I don’t want to be one of “those people” who talks about fitness.
  88. I need to alphabetize my spice rack first.
  89. I’m saving my energy for a potential zombie apocalypse.
  90. I’m busy researching if thinking about exercise burns calories.
  91. I’m still recovering from that one pushup I did in 2019.
  92. My plants need watering more than I need exercise.
  93. I need to wait until my lucky number appears on the scale.
  94. I’ll exercise when my smart watch reminds me, which I’ve disabled.
  95. I need to find the perfect “before” picture angle first.
  96. I don’t want my fitness journey to make my friends feel bad.
  97. I’ve already walked to the fridge six times today.
  98. I’m conserving my sweat for summer.
  99. I’m waiting for my “fitness personality” to emerge naturally.
  100. I’m writing an article about working out instead of actually doing it.

The Truth Behind Our Fitness Procrastination

Let’s get real for a moment. Behind all these funny excuses are a few actual barriers most of us face:

  • Fear of failure
  • Uncertainty about where to start
  • Worry about being judged
  • Past disappointments
  • Feeling overwhelmed

These are normal feelings. Everyone—even those super-fit Instagram people—started somewhere and dealt with these same thoughts.

How to Finally Break the Excuse Cycle

Here’s my no-BS advice that worked for me and countless others over 50 who were stuck in excuse purgatory:

  1. Start ridiculously small. Five minutes of anything beats zero minutes of perfection. What could you do for just five minutes today?
  2. Forget “all or nothing” thinking. Did you miss a day? Great—now you know you’re normal. Just start again.
  3. Find your “why” beyond looks. When vanity isn’t enough (and it usually isn’t), connect to how movement makes you feel: stronger, more energetic, less achy, better sleep.
  4. Make it stupidly convenient. The best workout plan is the one you’ll actually do. Home workouts, walking the neighborhood, or the gym on your commute route all work.

Take Action Now (Yes, Now)

Here’s my challenge to you: right after reading this article, do ONE physical thing. Not tomorrow. Not Monday. Now.

It could be:

  • A 5-minute walk around the block
  • 10 squats in your living room
  • 2 minutes of stretching at your desk
  • A dance break to your favorite song

The secret isn’t motivation—it’s action. Action creates motivation, not the other way around.

And if you need help getting started with fitness after 50, I’ve created a free 7-day kickstart program designed specifically for beginners. No equipment needed, just 10 minutes daily, and modifications for all fitness levels.

[Download My Free 7-Day Fitness Kickstart For Beginners Over 50]

Remember: The perfect time to start isn’t Monday. It isn’t January 1st. It’s today—right now—while you’re thinking about it.

What small action will you take today? Let me know in the comments!

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