Exercise Excuses and how to beat them

It is 6 am. Your alarm clock is ringing. You realize that you had promised yourself a morning run. You turn off the alarm, saying “maybe tomorrow” and drift off to sleep. Sounds familiar? So many excuses for not exercising! Don’t give in, just overcome them and emerge victorious!

HERE ARE SOME LESSONS ON HOW TO BEAT THOSE EXCUSES.

1. I am too tired to exercise

Fatigue can actually be caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise can increase your energy levels and decrease your levels of fatigue. Remind yourself of how refreshed and invigorated you will feel after exercising.

2. I never see results

Find out what works for your body. Muscles are smart; they adjust and conform to repetitive movements. To challenge your body, alternate your activities. You can try cross training or a sport. Slight changes are all that you probably need to get results.

You could also consult a professional fitness trainer, who can evaluate your exercise routine and develop a program suited to your needs to achieve your goals.

3. I am too busy with my hectic work schedule

You need to make time. Mark “EXERCISE” in your daily planner so that you can fit in the time to exercise. Figure out a good time to exercise, a time that you are likely to stick to. Perhaps, you could wake up early in the morning and take a brisk walk or exercise during your lunch hour or even do your push-ups, squats and crunches at home, while watching television.

Even when you are weighed down by work, you will find that exercise can actually increase your productivity levels and decrease your stress levels – leaving you feeling more alert and energized.

4. I’ll look silly exercising

Everyone has their trouble spots. That’s why they workout. Most people are more concerned with their own workout and achieving their objectives than about what others think of them. Focus on your goals and don’t waste precious time and energy worrying about others.

5. Exercise is boring

If you are bored, then you need to get creative. Add some fun to your exercise routine. Find a new approach to exercising. Keep yourself interested by varying your activities. You can sign up for a class that you have never tried, like kickboxing, African dance or Pilates. Or if you work out alone, find yourself a workout buddy; your dog can also be a great walking or running companion!

6. I can’t do what I used to do; I’ve become too old

Exercise has nothing to do with age. You are never too old to exercise. Evaluate your current fitness level; determine your exercise preferences and plan a workout that you are comfortable with.

Exercise may not erase the wrinkles on your skin, but it can increase your energy levels, help you lose weight and live a healthier life.

7. I am afraid I’ll hurt myself while exercising

Like anything you do in life, you need to make an effort to learn do it right. If you play a sport you need to learn the skill of the sport; if you use weights or machines, you need to learn how to perform exercises with correct form. Exercise done properly doesn’t hurt.