Procrastination is the most serious real killer for those thinking about starting a new exercise program.
We know that close to 85% of our most dreaded diseases could be prevented with appropriate lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition and regular exercise. These healthy lifestyle behaviors not only help prevent disease (and ultimately premature death) but also improve your quality of life! No one wants to simply survive, we want to live fully, and regular exercise will absolutely help foster that goal.
A WebMD report by Karen Springen and Louise Chang, MD, considered the top exercise excuses and inspiration to overcome them. May they motivate you into action!
‘I Don’t Have Time.’ We find time for things we value. Shouldn’t your health be at the top of the list? Consider your time watching TV. During your shows, use resistance bands for strength training, or walk in place. You could also record your shows and watch them later, skipping the ads and using that time to exercise. If you don’t have a long stretch of time, break up your workout into shorter sessions. Some activity is better than no activity.
‘I’m Too Tired.’ Working out actually gives you more energy. It produces feel-good hormones (endorphins), and increases circulation. It may help to work out in the morning before your day gets away from you. Not a morning person? No problem. Do it whenever you feel best, and with all that new energy, you just may start becoming a morning person!
‘I Just Don’t Like Exercising.’ First, figure out why. Is it that you don’t like getting sweaty? Work out indoors where it’s air conditioned or swim so you won’t notice any perspiration. Try a low-sweat activity, like gentle yoga.
Is it hard on your joints? Head for the pool. Exercising in water is easier on your joints. The stronger your muscles get, the more they can support your joints and the less you’ll hurt. If your physical limitations are more serious, check with your doctor, or find an athletic trainer who can help you figure out exercises that are still safe and easy to do.
If you’re self-conscious about your weight, you could start by walking with friends, working out in the privacy of your home, or exercising with a trainer who’s supportive. Wear clothes that feel comfortable.
‘I’m Too Old.’ I added this one, which I hear all too often. After many years of excuses, I started working out later in life and soon became a fitness trainer. The truth is you are never too old. A study by Dr. Herbert A. deVries, former director of the Andrus Gerontology Center at the University of Southern California, demonstrated that men and women in their 70s and 80s can achieve levels of vigor associated with people 30 years younger by starting and maintaining an exercise program. deVries stated that assuming that there are no underlying disorders, exercise can make an 85 year-old as strong as a 55 year-old person.
Welcome to 2015! There is no better time to start a fitness program – and no excuse you can’t overcome.
Howard Rubinstein (72) is an ISSA certified trainer who began his fitness career as a senior with the goal of helping other seniors stay – and get – fit. He welcomes your questions and can be reached at (760) 464.5339 or [email protected].
Source: 1) http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/the-top-6-exercise-excuses-and-how-to-beat-them
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