Top Ten Excuse-busters for taking Exercise

1. Exercise is boring

Not all exercise is created equal. You don't have to get fit by
spending hours on soul-less machines down at the gym. Somewhere
out there is an activity you'll love and it's just a case of
looking around until you find it. Is there something you loved
to do as a child which you've stopped doing now you're an adult?
Take it up again! Is there something you'd love to do but just
haven't got around to? Try it out! How about taking up tennis or
golf, salsa-dancing or skiing? Find something that sparks your
enthusiasm and you'll never look back.

2. I don't have time

This is the excuse people give most of all for not exercising.
Yet everyone has the same number of hours in the day. We just
choose to spend them differently. What are you giving a higher
priority to than your health? Chatting on the phone? Watching
TV? Working too many hours? Even if your time is largely tied up
in caring for others, how much good will you be to them without
your health? And can you really not squeeze in three 20 minute
sessions a week? What are you doing that is so important? 

3. I don't have the energy

Your energy may be low because you are mentally rather than
physically tired and in that case exercise will actually give
you a boost. You'll usually find if you just get up and get
moving you'll feel more energetic than ever. So, provided you're
not tired after a hard physical day of work, just get moving to
start to feel more lively. In any case, with regular exercise
you'll find your general energy levels will soar and you'll be
able to do far more without feeling tired. 

4. I feel too embarrassed

If you're embarrassed about being seen exercising or wearing
exercise gear then try walking. It's the ultimate non-exercise
exercise. You can do it anywhere and you don't need to wear any
special clothes other than normal comfortable shoes.
Alternatively get some exercise videos and exercise in the
comfort of your own home. 

5. I'm too fat

Now there's a difference between being embarrassed about your
size and being physically incapable of moving. If you really are
unable to take normal exercise because of your size and
associated problems then speak to your doctor about getting some
help to find exercises you CAN do. Also there is some
information around to help. Look up the organisation called
Active at any Size on the web. They promote fitness for
everyone. Anything you can do will help you and as you lose
weight you'll gradually find you're able to do more. 

6. I've got two left feet

I swear some aerobics classes are designed to put people off
exercise for life. You just get used to one part of the routine
after spending your time bumping into people when the movement
changes to something else equally as complicated and you find
you've gone left when you should go right again. It does get
better if you keep going to the same class but if you hate that
feeling of always getting it wrong why not find an activity for
the less choreographically challenged. How about the
easy-to-learn repetitive movements of rebounding, swimming or
cycling? 

7. There's nowhere near here to exercise

Sometimes that trip to the gym or swimming pool is a journey too
far. It just eats up too much time from your day. If this puts
you off getting fit, you can look for somewhere to exercise
that's more convenient for your home or workplace. Or follow the
advice for the embarrassed exercisers above and take up walking
or exercising with videos or equipment at home. Jogging might
suit you too.

8. Exercise doesn't work

Exercise is proven to help prevent heart attacks, stroke and
diabetes. It burns calories, increases your energy levels and
makes you feel good about yourself. It really depends what you
expect. It won't turn you into a slim sylph-like figure
overnight but it will help you lose weight. It won't give you a
super-toned body after one session in the gym but you will firm
and shape up over a few months. It's not an instant cure for a
lifetime of overeating and neglecting your body but it does give
you enormous benefits. These will only come if you do it
regularly.

9. I've no one to go with

You might be surprised at who would be a willing exercise buddy
if you asked. But if you don't think there's anyone, don't let
it put you off. There's really nothing to be afraid of in
turning up to an activity on your own. Most instructors are good
at making you feel welcome. Even joining a gym on your own is
not so bad. Once you have had your orientation session you'll
feel a lot more confident that you know what to do and can just
get on and do it without being distracted by anyone else.

10. Exercise hurts

Exercise should NEVER hurt if you go at the right pace for you.
If an activity or movement doesn't feel good, then don't do it.
Slow down and listen to your body. If it's too much for you,
choose another activity or another class. Injuries can result if
you do too much too soon. You have to work up to fitness gently
to get the most benefit.

Copyright 2005, Janice Elizabeth Small