Excuses are like...

…armpits. Everyone has them and they stink.

I believe that all of us are able to be in the best shape of our lives. We can do this no matter what age we are. I also believe that what keeps us from reaching these goals is our belief in ourselves. This lack of confidence leads to a lack of discipline, which causes excuses. Let’s go over some of the most common excuses and how we can overcome them.

1. I don’t like exercising….When most people think of exercise, they conjure up visions of hours on a treadmill or lifting heavy weights. The truth is anything that gives you an elevated heart rate for an extended period is beneficial. All you need to be “healthy” is at least 30 minutes of cardio every day and some weight-bearing activity 2 or 3 times a week. If you don’t enjoy the treadmill or gym-type activities try one or some of these: yoga, swimming, basketball, walking, dancing, tennis, skipping rope, bike riding, playing with the kids, etc.. Just move!!

2. I have no time….This is one of my least favorite phrases of all. There is always time to make yourself healthy. Here are some activities that may be in our way: working too much, being on the computer too much, or the one that affects me the most – watching too much TV. If you have time to watch “The Bachelor”, “Dancing With the Stars” or, dare I say it, a football game, then you have the time to get on the floor and do some push-ups, crunches and jumping jacks. The bottom line is that we must make the time. Get up a little earlier, go to bed a few minutes later, or even use some of your lunch hour to get your heart going.

3. I can’t afford a gym membership….First of all you should read some of our couponing posts to see how you can save enough for a membership. Just kidding! This one is similar to the first excuse. You do not need a gym to get a good workout. There are many activities that you can do in or around your home. As listed before, you just need to get your heart elevated. As far as weight-bearing activities go, there are hundreds of exercises that you can do right there in your home. Some of these are push-ups, crunches, squats, lunges, planks, triceps dips on the couch, etc.. If you need some more weight or a challenge you can buy a pull-up bar and a few dumbbells very inexpensively.

4. I don’t like writing calories….OK, you write in your checkbook. You do calculations for cooking. You write lesson plans if you are a teacher. You make reports at most other jobs. Many of these things can take hours. Writing down calories, especially if you do it for a while, can take just a few minutes. Counting calories is the most reliable way to lose weight. If you plan ahead it can be very easy as well. The night before, write down everything you plan on eating the next day; you will be prepared for any snack machine monster that attempts to grab you. Even if you underestimate calories in a lasagna you prepare, it will be better than not counting throughout the entire day. Look on our website, www.fitlif.com, to see some calorie counting websites. These include most restaurants. The bottom line is counting calories is easy, keeps you from overeating and helps you to have a plan.

5. When I start a program I feel overwhelmed and it makes me want to quit….As Americans we want everything to happen quickly and if it doesn’t work we just quit. Drive-thrus, microwaves, instant coffee, and the HOV lane are examples of our impatience. Technology has been great for our lives when it comes to having things quickly. However, when it comes to things like relationships, spirituality, academics, finances, and health and fitness we must take it slow. Immorality, divorce, credit card debt and obesity are all results of a society that wants results instantly. A good health and exercise program needs to start slow and be done over a long period of time. I would equate it to cooking a roast, not a microwave dinner. If you want to start a running program you wouldn’t start by training for a marathon that’s next month. I started by walking a mile, running a mile, walking a mile…. It took me a year to prepare for the half-marathon I ran. Most importantly, whether it is cardio, weights or a healthy eating plan, if you fail at any point keep going. No program is perfect. And no one individual is perfect. You will fail. Get back up and keep going.

Obviously there are many other excuses. Everyone has them and they all stink! No more excuses. Let’s all get up off the couch and start moving!