We all know that exercise is good for us, but who wants to bother doing it? I am one of the biggest procrastinators when it comes to actually getting up, popping in a video, and doing my daily thirty minute exercise. Sure, I'll feel great after exercising and be thrilled with myself for doing it, but it's just beginning it each and every day. It becomes something that you have to do, like brushing your teeth, or taking a shower.
I've tried talking myself into believing it's just thirty minutes a day and then it's over, but that thirty minutes feels like eternity sometimes.
So why do people make excuses to not exercise, even after all the talk about how great it is for them both mentally and physically?
Not enough energy. This is one of the most common excuses that I hear. It's hard to get up and jump around doing complex aerobic moves or run around the block, when you feel like you are going to keel over from exhaustion. It has been said that exercise will increase your energy levels as time goes on, even though in the beginning you will feel tired.
Not enough time. This is one of most used excuses for everything a person doesn't want to do. The truth is this: If they spent less time sitting in front of the television, just missing one sitcom, then they could find the needed time to work out. Isn't your health more important than a television show?
No motivation. It is really easy to tell yourself that exercise will not be worth it. Sure, you see pictures of skinny models and body builders, but you tell yourself that there's no way that could be you. You want to look good, but you have already caused self-defeat by comparing yourself to others. You must identify realistic goals for yourself, such as dropping one dress size. Then when you reach this goal, buy yourself something nice so you can show off your new body.
Not seeing results from exercising. Results from exercising are not always apparent at first glance. You may start to feel increased energy levels or maybe your thinking is clearer. Maybe you only have five or ten pounds to lose. This can be the hardest when you are so close, if often takes longer to lose these pounds. Measure yourself on how your clothes fit, not what the scales say.
No gym close to my home. If there is not a gym or workout center close to your home, then go to the park and walk around. Run around the block. Pop a DVD in and do aerobics in your home. There are so many alternatives to having to have a gym membership to exercise.
Once you stop making excuses to exercise, you will find that it comes easier with time to do, and you might even like doing it. I can't say that I am at the liking stage yet, but I know it is what is good for me, so here I go to fulfil my thirty minute daily task.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Exercise | |
