Top 12 Exercise Excuses

There are lots of evidence that exercise is good for you. Keeping fit means you reduce your risk of many diseases and some cancers. Despite the many benefits of exercise, statistics show that two-thirds of adults are not physically active on a regular basis and a quarter get virtually no exercise at all. As humans, we can be very clever in devising reasons and excuses not to exercise.

Most of us make excuses at one time or another for our behavior and the reasons vary widely. In our busy and often stressful lives, we convince ourselves that there simply isn't time to be physically active. Excuses not to exercise appear more frequently when motivation begins to wane or boredom sets in. While one missed exercise session may feel insignificant, it may signal the beginning of an important motivational lapse. These excuses are the most dangerous. They signal a critical change in the individual's commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

It's time to face your excuses head-on so that you can overcome them and choose to live a healthier lifestyle. Here are some of the most common excuses for skipping exercise along with ways to combat them.

1. I don't have time: This is by far one of the most common excuses used. Physically inactive people have just as much free time as exercisers, so you can chuck this excuse! If you fall into this category, then it's time to review your daily schedule. Get up earlier and take a brisk walk around the society. Of course, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk around your office etc. Bottom line, be creative with your time.

2. I'm too old: You're still not. Exercise is an ageless activity, and it's the closest thing we have to the fountain of youth. Exercise may not erase the wrinkles on your skin, but it will increase your energy level, have you lose weight, reduce stress, allow you to live longer and healthier, and renew your confidence. And that's just for starters. In fact, research shows that exercise is the best medicine we have for helping us age gracefully.

3. I am embarrassed because I am fat: That's all the more reason why you should go to the gym. If you feel embarrassed by your physical condition, avoid the super fancy, ultra-trendy gyms. Instead find a neighborhood gym, where you won't feel out of place. Most people are far too worried wondering what people think of them to take notice of others. Honestly, they don't spend time thinking you're silly, because they're too busy thinking that you think they're silly.

4. I don't Know where to start: A great way to ensure your workouts are most effective is to hire a personal trainer or an online personal trainer. Well-qualified trainer will keep you safe and enlightened. Also, there are books, online websites, television shows and videos that offer loads of advice and tips.

5. I have tried and failed: People often quit because they schedule too many workouts, work too hard or don't give themselves rest days. If you've been unsuccessful at exercising in the past, then re-evaluate what went wrong. Be prepared the next time. Gradually increase the intensity of the workout.

6. I can't afford a gym membership: May be true but you don't have to spend a single minute in a gym in order to lose weight or get fitter. Just walking outside is a great place to start. Try walking, cycling or exercising at home.

7. There is No gym near my house: So who said you have to work out in a gym? There are lots of places you can get the exercise you need. At home. At work. Going from home to work. All you really need is a pair of athletic shoes, a bit of imagination and a willingness to try different things.

8. I don't have any exercise equipment: It has been said that you can tell a great trainer by his ability to train a client without equipment. While equipment isn't necessary, it can certainly enhance your fitness routine and add variety. But don't let lack of equipment be the reason you don't exercise. Try push-ups or surya namaskar or yoga; they don't require any equipments.

9. Exercise is boring: Don't view exercise as a lifetime evil. Walking, dancing, tennis, swimming, cycling, hiking, gardening, aerobics, playing with your children, jumping rope; there are countless forms of physical activity to choose from. With so many ways to become active, all you need to do is find a few activities that you enjoy and alternate between them.

10. Exercise takes too much time: You can get a great workout in 30 minutes, the amount of time you spend watching a really bad serial on TV. If you don't have that much time, break it down into more manageable segments; say ten minutes at a time. You'll soon find that you don't need to do everything in one big block.

11. I am stressed: Exercise helps to reduce stress and frustration and improves your mood. People who regularly workout handle stressful situations more easily and tend to suffer less anxiety and depression. Try a form of exercise that doesn't require you to concentrate, like walking or running, and you may find that you are able to solve irritating problems as you exercise.

12. I can't lose weight because of my genetics: Genetics or metabolism, nothing can hinder your way to fitness. The marvels of modern medical and biological research are astonishing. There are methods to help you loose weight irrespective of your genetics or slow metabolism.

Remember that doing something is better than doing nothing. Consider other ways to be physically active. In case you haven't got the message, the important thing is to do more than you're doing now, and keep doing it. Make a date with a happier, healthier you.