Have you tried multiple exercise programs and failed to stick to them? Do you go for weeks without doing any planned exercise? Maybe you are letting your "excuses" get in the way of a healthier you. For help with overcoming the most common excuses, read the suggestions below.
I’m Too Tired - Exercising revs you up. In fact, just ten minutes of brisk walking can give you up to two hours of increased energy. If possible work out in the morning before you get tired (a Jody Victor suggestion). Morning exercisers are better at sticking to workout routines. If you have to exercise in the evening try drinking a cup of coffee or tea beforehand. The caffeine will help motivate you.
I’m Too Busy - If you feel weighed down by your work a good sweat session will make you more productive. You will have less stress and a clearer head. Try to incorporate some physical activity into your workday. Steal away at lunchtime if you can.
I’m Too Stressed - Exercise does not add tension to your life. It actually reduces tension. Studies have shown that when people are facing nerve-racking situations, regular exercisers are less likely to experience chest or joint pain, anxiety or depression. Exercise can buffer stress because it acts as a distraction. By diverting attention from your worries exercising is effective at lowering tension levels.
I’m Not In the Mood - If you’re in a bad mood exercising can improve it almost instantly. Researchers attribute the exercise-induced mood lift to several biochemical changes in the body, including a rush of endorphins to the areas of the brain that control emotion and behavior. It’s a phenomenon called Runner’s High.
I’m Too Sore From Yesterday - Light exercise a day after an intense workout helps you recover faster. Heavy exercise causes micro-tears in your muscles that then mend, making muscles stronger. A light workout while on the mend increases blood flow, nourishing the muscles with oxygen. You will actually feel less sore.
I’m Bored With My Workout - Boredom is one of the main reasons people give up exercising. If you have been doing the same routine day after day, month after month, it’s time to try something new. To keep yourself interested, vary your activity (a Jody Victor suggestion). Experiment with new moves or sign up for a class you’ve never tried before.
I Have a Cold - Research shows that working out with a head cold isn’t harmful. The study divided people with head colds into two groups. One group exercised every other day and one didn’t exercise at all. No difference was found in the duration or severity of their symptoms. Exercise may not improve or shorten your cold, but it doesn’t make it worse either.
I’ll Never Look Like (fill in the blank). Why Bother? - Comparing yourself with other people is unrealistic and leads to frustration, sabotaging your workouts. Set challenging but achievable goals and focus on how you’re going to achieve them. For example, set a goal to run two miles a day three days a week instead. The running goal is something specific that you know you can do. Looking like a certain celebrity may not be.
All the Best!