There’s no doubt about the importance of getting fit. However, sometimes it seems like the benefits of exercising are exceeded only by the number of excuses people devise to avoid working out.

The results of a recent survey conducted by the American Council on Exercising reveal some surprising reasons people give for avoiding the gym. While many base their reluctance to exercise on a lack of free time, the four most common excuses are gym intimidation, lack of knowledge, overcrowding and rudeness.

However, a closer look at these “excuses” indicates most are just myths and are certainly not relevant at the Family Fitness Center.

Excuse #1: Gym Intimidation
The most common excuse, gym intimidation, is based on the myth that the workout facility is filled with a bevy of buff bodies. Those who are out of shape are therefore reluctant to show/compare themselves with a room full of super models and super athletes.

FFC Reality:
Believe it or not, FFC members come in all shapes, sizes and ages. People join the facility to maintain good health–not necessarily to develop perfectly chiseled Adonis-like physiques. Those who are susceptible to the intimidation excuse need only to schedule a free tour of the FFC with the friendly staff to see for themselves that there is absolutely nothing intimidating about the facility or its members.

Excuse 2: Lack of knowledge
Many choose not to exercise simply because they do not know what to do once they arrive at the gym. For new members, the gym can appear to be an array of confusing and complex machines. Furthermore, it’s sometimes difficult to know where to start or how to do exercises properly.

FFC Reality:
Fortunately, the friendly FFC staff is eager to help members use the equipment and to help them design a fitness routine. In fact, fitness instructors routinely patrol the workout areas and are more than willing to answer questions and offer suggestions. No matter what your goals are, the fitness staff can help you choose the right exercises and show you how to perform them for maximum effectiveness.

Excuse 3: Overcrowding
Who wants to wait in line to use a treadmill? Exercise is supposed to decrease stress, yet trying to work out in a crowded gym can have the opposite effect.

FFC Reality:
With more than 30,000 square feet of space, the FFC is usually large enough to accommodate everyone. There are separate areas for free weights, cardiovascular or circuit training. Most important, the fitness instructors at the FFC stress a workout routine that has variety. So instead of using the same piece of equipment every day, members are encouraged to utilize many pieces of equipment to achieve their fitness goals. With people spread out in the various areas, there’s usually no one piece of equipment that is high demand. Moreover, the FFC’s convenient hours allows members to schedule their workouts when it’s convenient.

Excuse 4: Rudeness
Surprisingly, some avoid gyms because of rude members who may be shouting into cell phones, monopolizing the treadmill or refusing to wipe the machine off when they’re finished.

FFC Reality:
Rude members may be a problem in large cities with overcrowded gyms, but that’s certainly not the case at the FFC. With fitness instructors always visible and available, any objectionable behavior is unlikely to occur. The atmosphere among members of the FFC is friendly and family-oriented. It’s not uncommon for members to help each other with workouts. According to FFC Director Louie Haer, the atmosphere at the facility is unique. “I’ve been involved with fitness for more than 25 years,” said Haer. “I’ve never seen a friendlier group of people than our members at the FFC.”

The real message of the survey isn’t really the specific excuses–it’s more about how easy it is to put off getting in shape. Instead of exerting energy in compiling a list of excuses, it’s easier–and healthier–to let the FFC help you develop a practical, workable and fun fitness routine.

Once you see how easy and fun fitness can be, you may be making excuses to get to the gym!