Poor excuses for avoiding exercise
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Everyone has hobbies. Some people like to read. Some like to sew. Or watch birds. Or weave baskets under water. Others make fitness and exercise their hobby. An even more popular hobby, however, may be making up excuses for not exercising. Some of us truly excel at this. The good folks at the Mayo Clinic News Network thankfully make a hobby of sharing helpful tips and advice for people like us, such as this recent story about overcoming common fitness barriers. The story gives practical strategies to get beyond the excuses. Perhaps you've used some of these excuses yourself?
You're very busy. You say you don’t have enough time to exercise. Mayo's experts recommend being creative to get the most out of your time. How? Take time for short spurts of exercise throughout the day, or get up earlier a couple of mornings during the week to add extra time for exercise. Or, you could revamp your regular activities to include fitness. For example, instead of catching a Saturday matinee (unless, of course, Grease 2 is showing), think about a bike ride or rock climbing lessons.
Exercise is boring. Or maybe your approach to exercise is boring? You can turn things around by varying your exercise with activities you enjoy, as long as it keeps you moving. Or try team sports, like volleyball or pickup basketball, where you can get exercise and be social.
You’re too tired after work. This is a popular excuse. But you may have noticed that fitness clubs are open in the evening, and they seem to be busy. But if you just can't find it in yourself, Mayo experts suggest morning exercise (which apparently goes with the suggestion about getting up earlier) or walking during your lunch hour.
The mere thought of exercise makes you tired. Okay, we'll be honest and fess up to the fact that the mere thought of exercise makes us tired, too. Mayo experts suggest that it might help to set realistic goals. Like rather than deciding you will run a marathon, start with a walk around the block and build slowly from there. Another suggestion is to make your calendar your fitness buddy by scheduling exercise like you would a meeting. Or, (this is our own, because we need extra incentive) consider giving yourself a small reward -- even a mini-treat -- at the end of a walk. (We would not, however, suggest taking things as far they do with the .05K at the Bacon Chase.)
So next time you're straining to come up with a good excuse to avoid the possibility of straining yourself, just remember there are practical solutions to getting beyond your own barriers. You just have to take that first step.
Before you step away, find some time to leave a comment or two below.