Yoga Pathways

Five More Excuses Standing in Your Way

Excuses, excuses—we all have them, and we’ve all used them. The trouble starts when making excuses becomes such a habit that we don’t even recognise it anymore, I can’t tell you how many pairs of shoes I’ve “ invested” in using that logic. These little justifications might seem harmless, but over time, they create barriers that keep us from doing things that could truly benefit our health and happiness.

As a yoga teacher, I’ve heard my fair share of reasons for skipping morning yoga (some of these apply to skipping yoga at any time of day or night), and in Part 1, we tackled five of the most common ones. But wait—there’s more! It seems that we never run out of excuses! Here are five more classics, and gently (with an non judgy smile) let’s show them the door.

Excuse #6: “I need my coffee first.”

For many, coffee is non-negotiable in the morning—more of a life necessity than a mere beverage. But here’s the thing: Yoga can give you that same jolt of energy, minus the jitters and the impending caffeine crash. And if you’re really attached to your morning brew, think of yoga as the warm-up act before the main event.

How to Flip It: Try a few minutes of gentle yoga before your first sip. It can help wake up your body naturally, making that coffee taste even better. And who knows? You might find that post-yoga, you don’t need as much caffeine to feel awake and alert. Or maybe you will. But at least you’ll be doing it with a clear conscience.

Excuse #7: “I’m too stiff in the morning.”

Morning stiffness is a common complaint. But guess what? That’s exactly why morning yoga is so beneficial. It loosens up tight muscles, gets the blood flowing, and sets you up to feel more flexible and comfortable throughout the day. Plus, it’s a great way to remind yourself that you’re not, in fact, turning into the Tin Man.

How to Flip It: Start with some gentle stretches or a restorative yoga sequence. Your body will thank you, and before you know it, that morning stiffness will be a thing of the past. And soon you’ll be smugly telling everyone that you actually enjoy mornings now.

Excuse #8: “I don’t know enough about yoga to do it on my own.”

Feeling unsure about what poses to do or how to do them correctly can be intimidating. But here’s a little secret: Yoga is about progress, not perfection. And in the morning, it’s more about how you feel than how you look—so no, you don’t need to nail that headstand at 6 a.m. unless you really want to.

How to Flip It: Follow a simple online video, use a yoga app to guide you through a short sequence or join me live on zoom. Over time, you’ll become more confident in your practice. And remember, everyone was a beginner once.

Excuse #9: “I already exercise later in the day.”

So, you’ve got a fitness routine, but that doesn’t mean morning yoga can’t play a role. In fact, it can complement your existing exercise plan by improving flexibility, reducing the risk of injury, and helping you recover faster—like giving your body a bonus round of TLC before your gym session.

How to Flip It: Think of morning yoga as your daily ‘hors d’oeuvre’. Something that will prepare both body and mind for the day ahead. Even a short, gentle practice can enhance the morning , giving you benefits that last throughout the day. Plus, you get to feel extra virtuous for doubling down on your health regime.

Excuse #10: “I’ll do it later.”

Ah, the classic procrastination mantra. We’ve all said it, and we all know how it ends: Later often turns into never. The truth is, there’s no better time than the present, especially when it comes to something as beneficial as yoga. Besides, when was the last time you actually did it later? Be honest.

How to Flip It: Commit to just five minutes.

So, there you have it—five more excuses debunked and a roadmap to overcoming them. It’s clear that while excuses can be cunning and comfortable, they often stand in the way of our best selves. By recognising these common pitfalls and making a conscious effort to address them, you’re already on your way to breaking free from habits that hold you back. Remember, the journey to a more fulfilling life starts with a single step, and every excuse you tackle brings you closer to your goals. Thank you for joining me on this exploration of excuses. Now, go out there and turn those “I can’t” into “I can” and “I will”!

So, which excuse are you going to ditch?