It seems like so long ago, but it has only been three years. There I was in 2007. It was 5am. I was in a bed by myself.

Why? Because it was a little difficult for me to share a bed with my wife all the time. I lay in bed with my left arm going numb. Or was it my right? Maybe both? I did not want to get up. There was no reason to. At 420 pounds, what did I need to do?

Excuses are rough, and I was full of them.

I worked twelve hours today. I will start working out tomorrow.
I would eat better, but the McRib is only available for a limited time.
I know I need to lose weight, but I do not have time to cook a healthy meal.

The problem with excuses is that they can turn to blame.

If my wife did not have pizza in the house, I would not be in this situation.
Why does McDonalds have to serve the unhealthiest food?
No one supports me. Why should I care?

Then, blame turns in to self doubt.

I am weak.
I cannot do this.
I was meant to be unhealthy.

I did this for so many years of my life. I thought I was the only one. Yet, I am not.

We all have excuses. Sometimes they are valid. Sometimes people really can’t go to the gym. Sometimes there is not a healthy option.

But my excuses built up. To the point where I was lost. A 420 pound man. I could not do functions that normal people could do. I could not pick up a quarter off the ground. I had a hard time putting on socks. My wife could not hug me. I could not pee standing up.

Then, I ignored excuses.

As tired as I was, I went to the gym.
As delicious as the McRib was, I said no.
As busy as I was, I made time to cook a healthy meal.

Then, ignoring excuses turned into realizations.

My wife can eat what she wants. She will support me in anything I do.
McDonalds does carry a salad, but I would rather cook myself.
So many people support me. I do care.

Then realizations turned into self esteem.

I am strong.
I can do this.
I am healthy.

The other day it was 5am. I was lying next to my wife, where there is no issue of sharing a bed. There was no numbness in my arms. I did not have to be at work for a few hours, yet was happy to get out of bed.

That’s the benefit of being a member at a 24 hour Anytime Fitness, I can work out anytime. I did.

Funny, I have made so many excuses in my life, and now I cannot think of one.

What is your excuse?

Tony Posnanski is a renowned blogger, chef, and an Anytime Fitness member. He writes about weight loss, fitness, motivation and more on his blog The Anti Jared or on Facebook.