Exercise can be a swear word for some all of the time, and for all, some of the time. Our mind would like to tell us there’s no time. We’re too tired. We hurt too much afterwards. We can’t keep up with everybody else in the class. We can’t afford it. Our mind can be vicious in its self-talk. It can create excuse after excuse. But in the long run, it’s not worth it to buy into those excuses. The time we take to get moving now is worth it!
3 common excuses debunked:
Excuse #1: I can’t Afford It: I get that. I was there. But there are so many venues to choose from, especially in this day and age. From apps to Youtube videos, to just heading out the door. Or, consider a health club and it’s options. Although they come with a price, they often offer training and classes to help you with your goals. Health clubs range in price so shop around! There are ways to get going that don’t cost a fortune.
When I first started getting serious about my fitness, I decided to start running. I was a mom of 2 little kids. We lived in the country (still do) and I had no means to join a health club nor was there one in our area that would be easy for me to get to. One night, when my husband arrived home from work, I met him at the door with new running shoes on. Although he was puzzled by this new welcome, he stepped aside as I headed out the door. I told myself I didn’t care how fast or how far I went. I just wanted to go 20 minutes. That was it. I knew I could do that even if I walked some. I came back feeling like a new person. A new chapter had begun!
Everybody starts somewhere.
I continued with this running passion and have kept with it for more than 25 years. From that little 20 minute run, I continued to push myself and since then, I have run in numerous races from 5K’s to 10K’s to several half marathons.
Excuse #2: People who do end up with bad knees!
I read a research article that found athletes do in fact have more injuries than non-athletes before the age of 35. HOWEVER, after the age of 35, non-athletes’ injuries exceed the number of injuries athletes experience, and often are more debilitating with a greater negative impact on ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living).
The good news is, regardless of age, we have come so far in our knowledge of what alleviates injury. Adding yoga (boom shakalaka!) and strength exercises to any exercise program will decrease the likelihood of injury. More and more research is being conducted on seniors and exercise and one common thread is the need for flexibility, agility, and strength work. What does that mean? You’re never too old for yoga or weights!
Although running and yoga are my biggest fitness passions, other work-out formats help keep my exercise regimen interesting and fun. Classes I have incorporated mix things up which is good for both mind and body. After all, if our mind isn’t having fun and feeling good about it, chances are we won’t do it. Lately, I have found “fun” in cycling classes. Modifying your exercise is good for you! Your body and mind need a break from the monotony. And there are so many options out there now! The biggest thing is to just get moving.
#3) I’ve tried that before but quit because (insert reason here).
When we start something, its important to have a goal. When I started running, mine was simple: Run 20 minutes every day. But keep them SIMPLE! Set goals you can achieve and feel good about. Once a goal is met, continue to set goals, making them a little more challenging, but still attainable. Be smart about setting goals. When we set our goals too high, we can become frustrated in our quest to meet them and that’s when old habits creep in. So, find something you ENJOY and will continue for a lifetime out of pure satisfaction, thus creating a healthy lifestyle habit.
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