| Overcoming Exercise Excuses |  |
You've told yourself dozens of times that tomorrow you are going
to start exercising. Yet, tomorrow has come and gone, and you still
haven't starting moving. So, what's holding you back? What
excuse seems fitting today?
It's time to face your excuses head-on so that you can overcome
them and choose to live a healthier lifestyle. Here are some of the
most common excuses for skipping exercise along with ways to combat
them.
I Don't Have Time: This if by far one of the most common excuses
used. But, it still doesn't hold water. People that use this
excuse are actually saying that exercise is not enough of a priority
to make it on their weekly to-do list. If you fall into this
category, then it's time to review your daily priority list.
Certainly there is something less important that you are doing for 20
minutes every day that can be replaced with exercise. After all,
exercise is one of the most important things you can do for yourself
and your family to ensure that you live a long, full, disease-free
life.
I've Tried And Failed In The Past: It's true that it can be
difficult to get motivated to try something after you've failed
before, but isn't your health worth another try? If you've
been
unsuccessful at exercising in the past, then re-evaluate what went
wrong. Did you try to do too much, too quickly? It's very common
for
new exercises to be overzealous when starting their workouts and end
up either burning out or getting injured early on. Did you set
unrealistic goals for yourself? Try to stick with small goals that
are truly achievable. For example, that you will workout three times
per week for the next month.
I Can't Afford A Gym Membership: You don't have to spend a
single minute in a gym in order to lose weight or get fitter. Just
walking outside is a great place to start. Also, home fitness
equipment has become very affordable and accessible. For as little as
$30 you can buy some great home equipment that will really challenge
your body. A resistance band and an exercise ball allow you to work
every muscle group and even get a cardiovascular workout.
I'm Too Fat (or out-of-shape): Unless your physician has
forbidden exercise, then it's very unlikely that this excuse has
any
validity. If you are extremely out-of-shape, then you simply need to
start with baby steps. Walking is always a great place to start. You
may have to start with just five minutes. That's okay. You can
gradually add more time each week. If walking is not an option, then
you could try some pool exercises. At the very least, you can start
by getting active while sitting. There are many beneficial strength
training exercises you can do while sitting.
I Don't Have Any Exercise Equipment: Nice try, but it doesn't
require special equipment to get your heart pumping. Don't
underestimate what you can do with things that are already in your
house. For example, if you have a flight of stairs in your house then
you've got an awesome way to get your heart rate up with through
walking or running the stairs. Grab soup cans or milk jugs filled
with sand to immolate dumbbells for strength training exercises. Try
push-ups and tricep dips and you'll quickly realize how hard your
body has to work when just using it's own weight.
I Don't Know What Exercises To Do: There are literally dozens of
ways to learn what exercises will help you. A great way to ensure
your workouts are most effective is to hire a personal trainer or an
online personal trainer. They can guide you every step of the way so
that you don't waste any time doing exercises the wrong way.
Also, there are books, online websites, television shows and videos
that offer loads of advice and tips.
I'm Too Old To Get Started: It may sound cliché, but you are
never too old to get started. Everyone can benefit from exercising.
Even if you are a senior citizen you can reap many rewards from
starting an exercise program. Okay, so maybe you won't be a
marathon
runner or a bodybuilder, but you'll be able to walk the stairs
easier, play with your grandchildren, improve your balance, improve
your strength and more.
I Just Can't Get Motivated: Don't view exercise as a lifetime
evil. Set small, short-term goals to help you get started. Start with
a promise to just take the stairs instead of the elevator, for
example. Then you might move onto scheduling 10 minutes of activity a
couple of times per week. Also, make a list of all the positive
benefits exercising has on your life. Your list might include giving
you more energy, reducing your health ailments and more. The list
should be pretty long. Post it somewhere that you will see it
regularly and it can serve as a reminder to you as to why you need to
workout.
I Hate Exercising: You probably think you hate it because you've
been stuck doing activities that you don't enjoy. Many people
still
have the old "no pain, no gain" mentality and think that in
order
for exercise to be worthwhile you have to be miserable doing it. This
just isn't true. Consider things that you really like to do. Do
you prefer competitive situations? Then consider joining a
recreational sports team. Do you enjoy spending time alone? Maybe
Yoga or evening walks are for you?
I'm Too Tired: This excuse can create a vicious circle because
the more sedentary you are then the more tired you become. Of course,
the more tired you are then the less appealing exercise sounds. So,
try to nip this in the bud quickly. Exercise can actually make you
feel more revived then a nap. Regular physical activity increases
your energy level. Plus, exercises tend to sleep fall asleep faster
and sleep better, which allows you to truly feel rested every day.
When you find yourself making an excuse not to exercise, read through
some of the above tips again. And, remind yourself of all the many
benefits of working out: lower body fat, decreased risk of many
diseases, reduced instances of depression, improved bone density,
reduced risk of injuries and many more.
Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in Internet-
based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For You, which provides
affordable online exercise programs that are custom designed for each
individual. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com for a free sample
workout and to sign-up for their monthly fitness newsletter. Fitness
professionals improve your business, visit:
http://www.trainerforce.com
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