Many people are into fitness and exercise. Both men and women, single or married, have gym memberships and have their specific exercise programs to keep fit, look healthy and appear physically attractive. 

You come across an article posted on Daily Republic about Abby Pell, a 33 year old fitness competitor and nutritionist who posted a photo of herself on a social media platform, Instagram, showing her perfect six-pack abs with her daughter and captioned, "I have a kid. A six pack. And no excuse".  This post led to a series of controversial reactions and shedding light on terms such as fat-shaming and fitspiration. 

The previous year, Maria Kang garnered the same reaction from netizens when she posted a photo of her fit body along with her three sons with the teasing and questioning caption, "What's your excuse?"

According to Pell and Kang, they just wanted to lead by example and inspire other mothers to look forward to a fit body. However, critics claimed that the photos are sending a different message to women who don't have a toned body like theirs. 

Arguments from both sides ensued, but both agreed that there is a deeper side to the love-hate relationship between fitness and beauty standards. However, a thoughtful perspective may just surprise you. 

The truth is that adhering to any type of behavior is a complicated process consisting of many different aspects. This fact and the constant stress on modern life, that is usually relieved by the distraction of modern technology and entertainment.

After all this, one thing is true: in a life that makes people believe that they need to often feel like every movement is like speed of light or have to be constantly in the loop, an excuse can be used to help yourself and do the things you want. In that way, you'll have more time to attend to things that really matter. 

So, why don't you make an excuse today? Write down your thoughts in a journal, pen that on your mirror by using a red lipstick, or simply just use your Post-Its to write down your excuses. Simply put, "make an excuse to excuse yourself to choose healthier habits, because even the smallest movement helps. Excuses, after all, can be used to do, as well as not do." 

It's time to excuse yourself from a busy, unhealthy lifestyle to turn to getting in shape or finishing up your novel.