Working in a Workout

Everyone understands the importance of exercise and physical fitness these days. Of course, we know what we should do. How can we make ourselves do what we know is best for us?

Before we can commit ourselves to a regular fitness routing, we may have to do some mental exercises. What are some of the mind games we play, to keep us from working out? How many popular excuses can you name?

"I hate working out."

If you are really serious about your personal fitness, then you may need to explore a variety of possible activities until you find one you actually like. Do you adore aerobic dance? Are you passionate about Pilates? Do you yearn for yoga? Are you rabid for racquetball? Can you spin for hours on end? Are your fingers wrinkled and waterlogged from swimming? Have you always wanted to learn martial arts?

What's your exercise passion? Think creatively: what about tennis, skating, tap-dancing or horseback riding?

"Gym memberships cost too much."

Why not work out at home? Walking a mile a day is free. If you walk an extra 2,000 steps a day, you will have added a mile to your daily count. Taking the stairs at work, for example, instead of the elevator, costs you nothing and adds to your cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory, and overall health. Walking the dog counts too!

Explore different exercise opportunities. Does your school or workplace offer aerobics, Pilates, or other fitness classes? Also, gyms periodically offer discounted trial programs. Check these out. After all, you are investing in your own well-being, which is priceless.

"I would exercise more often, but I just don't have the time."

Take a look at your personal priorities. How do you spend your days? Do you make time to read the newspaper, stop for coffee, or watch your favorite television program?

An adequate workout may be accomplished in less than half an hour. Why not stop after school or work? Perhaps you can find an exercise spot on your homebound route.

By taking time for exercise now, you may actually be adding days or even years to your total life span. In other words, making time now may add time to your life!

"I don't want to go to the gym."

Very few people leap eagerly out of bed to head to the gym. However, once we get there and get started, we are usually glad we made the effort.

Why not ask a friend to sign up for membership with you? Take a class together, or commit to meet and walk or jog a few times each week. Make it a social event, encourage each other, and hold each other accountable.

"I can't commit to an exercise program."

Start small. Pick a reasonable fitness goal that you might actually be able to reach. Planning to work out for two hours daily is a tall order. How about covenanting with yourself to exercise three times a week?

"I'm too old to begin now."

Get a gym directory. Look for age-appropriate classes. No one is too old to exercise, although fitness programs may be tailored to meet individual capabilities.

"I'm too out-of-shape to hang out with all those hard-bodies."

Everyone has to start somewhere. Check gym listings for classes offered in off-peak hours. Don't let those buff bodies intimidate you. Toss on a comfy t-shirt and shorts, and begin moving! Who knows? Maybe you'll surprise yourself and become a hard-body too!

"I wouldn't know where to start."

Walking into a room filled with elaborate, computerized exercise equipment can be daunting. Did you know that most gyms offer free guided tours of their facilities and machines? Also, most will assign an instructor to accompany first-timers, if you ask. (Some even offer this service for free.)

Consider signing on with a personal trainer, even for just a couple of sessions. These trained professionals can guide you (and motivate you!) through an appropriate exercise program. Once you learn it, you may be able to continue on your own.

"Just thinking about exercising makes me tired."

Ask around. Take a survey. Lots of people feel this way. However, exercising truly does increase your energy level. Once you get moving, those endorphin hormones kick in, and you can really feel revved and ready to tackle your day.

Let's go!