Focus On Fitness
Exercise – What’s Your Excuse?
by Jennifer Schwettmann, MSPT, CWS
by Jennifer Schwettmann, MSPT, CWS
There are many benefits to exercise, so why is everyone always trying to avoid it? I have heard many reasons for not exercising. Some may be valid, but the majority are just excuses. You can overcome any excuse with a little thought, effort and motivation.Here are 10 exercise curveballs and ways to hit them out of the park.
1. “I don’t have the time.?
This is the most common excuse. Life is busy, and you will never find time to exercise; you need to make time to exercise. Make exercise a priority. Get up 15 minutes earlier. Squeeze in short bouts of exercise throughout the day. Schedule it on a calendar just like a meeting or another appointment. Exercise during television programs or instead of watching television one or two days a week. Make family time physically active. Incorporate movement throughout your day—take the stairs or park farther away.
2. “I don’t have the energy.?
Inactivity produces fatigue. Exercise promotes energy. Make sure and get plenty of sleep. Start with small amounts of exercise and you will gradually feel energized.
3. “I don’t like to exercise.? “Exercise is boring.?
Think of anything you enjoy doing that involves movement. This could be gardening, bowling or dancing. Rotate a variety of activities to avoid exercise boredom. Exercise with a friend. Put a treadmill or stationary bike in front of the television and exercise during favorite programs.
4. “I don’t know what to do.?
Getting started is the hardest part. Find any activity you enjoy. Go slow and increase gradually. A personal trainer can help set up an individualized program to help you begin. If you can do nothing else and you are able, start with walking.
5. “I don’t see results.?
Change takes time. Go with how you feel and how clothes fit rather than the numbers on the scale. Exercise has many health benefits. It helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure; watch for changes in those numbers to indicate improved health.
6. “It’s too cold (too hot, too wet) outside.?
If you are used to exercising outside but the weather does not allow it, you need to get creative. This is not an excuse to get out of exercising, but a great reason to change things up and add some variety. Do an exercise video or walk at the mall instead. Join a fitness center or recreation center.
7. “I have too many health problems.?
Check with physicians before beginning an exercise program. There is some form of exercise suitable for most patients. You may need guidance from an exercise professional to get an individualized program. Exercise has been shown to help prevent and improve many health problems.
8. “I am too old.?
It is never too late to start. Modifications may be necessary to make the exercise comfortable. Exercise is the best medicine to help age gracefully.
9. “I am too fat/overweight.?
Start with a low-impact activity and build up gradually. Soon this will no longer be a valid excuse. If you are uncomfortable exercising in public, use workout videos at home.
10. “I am afraid I will get hurt.?
Exercise should not be painful. If it hurts, you may be doing too much too soon or not stretching or warming up. Some soreness is expected when starting a new exercise program. Start slowly and build gradually. Make sure you have the proper equipment for the exercise. Consult an exercise professional or trainer for guidance.
Don’t strike out; make home runs instead. People have lots of excuses for not exercising, but there are many more reasons to exercise. Exercise improves balance, coordination and strength and benefits your heart, waistline and mind. Exercise should be seen as an opportunity to improve your health, not as a chore. It should not be something you dread.
Identify the excuses you may be using and create solutions that will work for you. There has to be some activity you enjoy that involves movement. To get started, have a well-defined plan and set goals for yourself. Making excuses is an easy way to avoid exercising, but the faster you work toward eliminating those excuses, the closer you will be to a healthier and longer life.
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Jennifer Schwettmann, MSPT, CWS, is a physical therapist and certified wound specialist who has worked with the bariatric community for five years. Contact her at [email protected].
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