During the start of the New Year, a majority of people make resolutions about losing weight, eating better, and living a healthy lifestyle. Yet, still filled with good intentions, the month of January has come and gone, and you still haven't starting moving.
You probably already know that changing old habits is really REALLY hard, but now it's time to face your excuses head on so that you can overcome them. Having been in the fitness industry for over 20 years, here are some of the most common excuses I've heard for skipping exercise, along with a few suggestions to combat them and make this year a bit easier for you.
"I Don't Have Time" - 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 30 minutes everyday than 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, healthy life.
"I Don't Know What Exercises To Do" - There are literally dozens of ways to learn what exercises will help you. Of course, a great way to ensure your workouts are most effective is to hire a personal trainer. Even if you can't afford to hire a trainer, there are still hundreds of books, online websites, TV 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 over the age of 65 with pre-existing medical conditions, you can reap many rewards from starting an exercise program. You’ll be able to walk the stairs easier, play with your grandchildren, improve your balance, strength, quality of life, and more.
"I Just Can’t Seem To Get Motivated" - Being healthy is a lifestyle, so try not to view exercise as a lifetime evil.
- Begin by setting small, measurable, short-term goals to help you get started. Avoid abstract goals such as "planning to exercise". Instead, start with a more concrete promise to starting taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Then you might progress to scheduling ten minutes of physical activity a couple of times per day--onto performing thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercises at least three times a week.
- 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. This 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.
- Change your routine to reduce the temptation not to workout. For example, take your workout clothes with you to work so you can go directly to the gym afterwards, or plan to go to bed earlier at night so you can make a commitment to exercise first thing in the morning.
- Find a workout partner. If you know a friend or family member is waiting for you at the gym, it will be harder to bail out on them. also, try to seek out someone who's just a step above your current fitness level for the biggest benefits.
Let me know what you are planning to do improve you health in 2017.
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