How to Stop Making Excuses and Make Fitness Real
By Sandy Schroeder
Well, 2018 is actually underway and I am still making fitness excuses. You may be, too. It really is all too easy to say:
- I don’t have enough time
- I am too tired to exercise
- I really don’t enjoy my workout
Whatever your favorite excuse is, it’s time to stop using it. Check in with your doctor for approval, and then use some of WebMD’s tips to stay in the game.
Exercise to please you – If you are out there running every morning because you love it, you are on the right track. You are much more likely to stay out there if it feels right.
Start slowly and build – OK, you are ready to make this happen, but if you plunge in and run too much the first day you might not go back. Start with an easy goal. Run a quarter mile for the first week, and then increase it. Keep it comfortable to keep right on going.
Start where you are – Don’t try to make the first day of weightlifting or running perfect. Congratulate yourself that you are out there and just do it. Perfect form will follow.
Shake up your routine – Keep it interesting by injecting some new things. If you always run, try weightlifting or yoga, Then add long distance walking or a wilderness hike.
Find a friend – No matter how motivated you are there will be those mornings when it does not happen, but a friend might get you there. Motivate each other to show up.
Make exercise a real habit – If you pick the most comfortable time in your schedule, you are much more likely to show up, and when you do you will be building a habit that feels as normal as brushing your teeth. Then it becomes automatic.
Don’t use time as an excuse – When other commitments take the time slot, create some good backups. If you can’t run, do two 15-minute brisk walks. When you cannot make an afterwork session, slip in an early morning workout or pack a lunch and take a long walk.
Pause but don't give up – OK so you missed your workout, AND you finished off a pint of ice cream! Jump right back into your routine, and skip the guilt.
Be realistic – If you are actually exercising every day, don’t expect to drop a size in a week. As the weeks go by you will drop weight, feel better, and pick up energy. Watch the changes happen and grin a little. In fact, celebrate! When you reach a goal, and fat turns to muscle, reward yourself with new sneakers, or go out with your friends and trade fitness stories. You are on the right track!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in League City, Tex.