Ever sat at work/home listing the extremely valid reasons you have for not doing it?
Does this happen often?
Well, join most of the population. I have yet to meet a person who 100% of the time is desperately looking forward to their workouts. When we lack motivation we can ALL come up with a thousand valid excuses NOT to work out, in fact - I have compiled the most oft heard reasons for skipping a workout/or not working out at all:
I don’t have the time to go to a health club or gym:
It’s true – we all lead very busy lives. However, exercising does not have to take up much time and eat away into your daily schedule. It can easily be built into your everyday life. Make your exercise as important as your scheduled TV viewing, housecleaning etc..and where possible include as many of your family members as possible to make you r time well spent in a multitude of ways. Be honest with yourself about how you spend your time - I am betting you can find half an hour to forty-five minutes a day that could be better spent by caring for your health.
I’m too tired to do exercise after work:
Sometimes, after a long day at work the last thing you might want to do is something physical because you feel too tired. Instead of reaching for the remote control and vegetating in front of the TV for the rest of the evening you can energize yourself by doing some exercise. You will be amazed to discover that being more active will actually raise your energy level. However, if you really are too tired after work then try to increase your activity at a time during the day when your energy levels are at their highest, such as mid-morning or lunchtime.
I'm too fat:
Low self esteem about how we look can be one of the biggest stumbling blocks. Let me put your mind at rest by reassuring you that you don’t have to wear a leotard to go to your local gym. In fact, most gyms set specific ‘women-only’ times so you needn't feel self conscious. If you go to these classes you will find that most women wear even a baggy t-shirt and leggings or baggy sweatpants. Dress comfortably and REALLY look at the people around you - you will see every size, shape and fitness level. And I'm willing to wager that most, if not all, are harbouring the same worries. Smile and be proud of your steps.
I can’t afford to exercise
Walking is great....and it’s free. You don’t need a special kit or uniform or buy expensive equipment. In fact there are many, many activities that you could do without spending a single cent, or very few at least.
- jogging
- cycling
- swimming
- at home exercise videos
- resistance bands and free weights (low $$ at wal-mart or Canadian Tire)
I suffer from back/knee/neck pain:
Rather than being something that prevents you from exercise, you will actually find that regular moderate exercise will strengthen the muscles that support your affected areas. Get advise from your chiropractor, physiotherapist, doctor or other qualified person and ask them what kind of exercise you should do. Swimming and cycling are very effective for people with joint pain. Your qualified expert will give you all of the advice you need, and a personal trainer is an AMAZING resource to get you started, keep you motivated and help you stay safe.
A couple of ways to make it happen:
- make it ifficial. Schedule it into your phone, tablet, daytimer, whatever way you keep yourself organized. Write it in pen - and don't schedule over it. If there is an unavoidable change - like a school concert or similar - you rejig your day to make it fit elsewhere as soon as your know.
- make it social. Grab a group of friends, make a weekly walking group, go to a class together, hire a personal trainer for all of you as a group. This will help keep you accountable - and will have you looking forward to your next workout, if only to discuss last night's Bachelor or book of the month.
- make it a habit. Schedule in your 3-5 bouts of movement per week, then promise yourself that you WILL commit to it for a period of time (my ideal is 3 weeks). If at that time, you feel worse, your life is too hectic, whatever, you can go back to your old habits. I can pretty guarantee you this will NOT be the case though. You are much more likely to be looking for ways to move MORE at this point.
-make your motivation important. Having a small waistline is not going to be sufficient to get you out of bed after a hectic day before, a late night and burning legs from leg day before. Choose instead, something that will NEVER fail to motivate you - your family, your health (I use my genetic disposition to diabetes as a reason to get up every day) a goal ie/hike to the entire length of your favourite trail.
- make it WHY - Not WHY NOT. As soon as the niggling excuses and reasons why you can't workout start to creep in, replace them with reasons why you can and must! No energy? exercise will help pick you up - and will help you be more productive. Grumpy? Getting out for a power walk will lift your spirits. You know the drill.... replace negative reasoning with postivive ones and you'll find yourself looking forward to and not dreading your workout any longer.
Exercise/Movement:
- reduces variable risk factors and can prevent/help to control/reduce up to 38 chronic conditions
- helps manage stress/emotional issues - improves mood
- helps maintain healthy heart function
- boosts sex drive
- promotes better sleep
- make you more able to think clearly, prioritize and make decisions
- aid in balance and everyday function, now and as we age
- reduce risk of bone disease, promote healthy joints and bone density
And the best benefit in my opinion, is that every time you purposefully move your body is an opportunity to know it better, to use it to it's potential, to be in tune with all it's cues, and best of all to LOVE it.
Get moving - we cannot afford NOT to!
Find Your CORE!
No comments:
Post a Comment