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editor   Monica Neave
BellaOnline's Exercise Editor
 

Exercise Excuses Buster

Are you the type of person who just can't seem to get around to exercising even though you really want to? Can you come up with dozens of excuses for not working out even though you know it's good for your health and it could help you lose some weight? The 9 exercise excuses busters will help you get moving.

1. I don’t have time
The is the biggest cop out around. Nobody has time not even hard body celebrities do. You have to make time by giving exercise the same priority as your other activities. Schedule it in your planner. Free up some time by asking your family for help with housework. Eat lunch at your desk and workout during your lunch hour. Get up earlier a couple of times a week to do it. Divide it up into three 10 minute segments a day. If you are determined to get fit and stay fit you’ll make the time regardless of how busy your schedule is.


2. I’m too tired

If you’re using this excuse then you have no idea what a rush and an energy booster exercise can be. Exercise pumps you full of feel good endorphins and boosts metabolism so you feel more energized throughout the day. The best way to get past this excuse is to use the 10 min. trick. Commit to just 10 min. and then if you’re still tired you’ll quit. 9 times out of 10 you’ll keep going and feel so good you’ll make a habit of it.

3. The gym is inconvenient
Who says you have to workout in a gym. There are workout videos, resistance bands, fitness balls, free weights, walking or jogging around your neighborhood, and tons of other home fitness solutions. You don’t really need any equipment to get started just a good pair of running shoes and some basic moves. Once you start getting in shape you can build a cheap home gym and try new things. The best part of working out at home is that you eliminate driving time. Check out this great home workout for ideas on getting started.

4. Family activities come first
Everyone these days is home-schooling or spends a good amount of time as a taxi driver taking their kids from activity to activity. Then there’s your loving spouse who is usually not as enthusiastic about exercise and sometimes gives you a guilt trip about how much time you’re spending away. As if this wasn’t enough your parents, brothers, and sisters drop in every now and then to rob you of the little time you have left. So what? Include them in your plans. Maybe the YMCA nearby has activities that all family members can enjoy. If you home-school then you should be teaching your kids fitness anyway so go for a walk together or start boot camp in your back yard and just have fun with it. If your kids practice their sport on a field run laps around them. If they take martial arts or dance look into places that teach all age levels and join them. Drag your spouse to the gym kicking and screaming or compromise so he will join you once a week. He’ll thank you for it. Haven’t seen your mom in a while? Invite her for a walk or a hike. Being outdoors is a great way to connect with someone you love.

5. I’m embarrassed in front of others
You don’t want to look like a fool in front of others or be the only overweight girl in a room full of Barbie dolls. This is a legitimate excuse but don’t let it stop you from working out. If you can’t motivate yourself to do it at home then make an effort to check out several health clubs until you find one where the people look like you (normal). Places with names like Gold’s, Powerhouse, Crunch, or Sports Club, is usually where all the bodybuilders and fitness divas go. Look in your phone book for women only gyms or try places that sound less intimidating like Family Fitness, Full Life Fitness, Racquetball and Fitness. Some of these even have private women’s only areas, so call in advance and ask.

6. Exercising is expensive
At first glance it appears that you may have to get a loan to afford a health club membership but don’t let intimidating sales tactics get in the way of your fitness goals. Call around for specials. A lot of health clubs have these in January/February and then again in the summer. If they don’t have a special ask for one. Say you really want to workout at their club but just can’t afford it. If they want your money they’ll find a way. Not crazy about contracts don’t worry. Not all clubs have them. Some are month to month but the initiation fee is higher. If this is the case ask when they’ll be having a no initiation fee special and wait it out. Ask your friends or family members to get you into their club at a lower rate or check out the YMCA for special rates.

7. Exercise is boring
If you look at it that way then of course it is. Change your mentality and you’ll be more likely to stick with it. A good way to do this is to start thinking of exercise as a necessity because in reality it is. The less you use your body the more trouble you’ll have as you get older. You can also think of exercise as stress relief since it counteracts all the stress hormones that cause you to store more fat and increases feel good hormones that boost mood. Another good strategy is to keep yourself busy on the treadmill listening to music, watching t.v., reading a good magazine or book. Make friends at the health club and exercise with them. Even better hire a fun trainer that likes to share fitness facts while you’re working out. If you workout at home ask a friend to join you. Having a partner makes it go by so much faster.

8. It takes too long
Some complain that it takes too long to workout while others complain that it takes too long to see results. If your problem is the time factor there are plenty of 30 minute workouts that are just as effective as two hour ones. The only trade off is you have to workout more often. If your problem is wanting results yesterday then focus on short term goals like lifting a certain amount of weight within two weeks, going from 20 minutes of cardio 3 times a week to 40 minutes 4 times a week. When you accomplish these small goals reward yourself with a new outfit, new shoes, a massage. Whatever makes you happy. This takes your mind off the end results and before you know it you’re looking better than you imagined.

9. I’m injured
Plenty of people get into car accidents, break a leg, tear a ligament, hurt their back, or worst. This doesn’t stop the most committed from getting in shape. If you are hurt or injured talk to your doctor about what you can and can’t do. You may not be as limited as you think and exercising could help you heal faster. This is especially true for people with low back pain. If your doctor is not very informed or supportive you can talk to a trainer with a specialty certification in injury rehabilitation. There are plenty out there who know safe and effective ways to get injured people back in shape.

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Content copyright © 2009 by Monica Neave. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Monica Neave. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Monica Neave for details.



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