Top 10 Reasons...

Top 10 Reasons People Don’t Workout

1.  Fear
2.  No Time
3.  Negative Image of Exercise
4.  Slow Results
5.  Expense
6.  Lonely
7.  No Motivation
8.  Too Many Other Things to Do
9.  Too…. Hot, cold, rainy, sunny, hazy
10. I Hate to Exercise

Top 10 Reasons Those Top 10 Are Invalid Reasons

1.  Fear - Some people have an image of exercise as evil.  They remember that one workout in college where they were sore for days and can’t possibly conceive of going through that again.  The truth is DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness is uncomfortable but if you start off slowly you won’t experience extreme discomfort.  Also, if you stick with a program, the soreness is less and less with each workout.  Another fear is feeling like a fish out of water at the gym.  Maybe the attire at the gym is itself intimidating – good news, the days of the thong on the outside of the tights, the headband and leg-warmers are gone.  We now wear regular shorts and t-shirts.

2.  No Time - This one is great.  I will use my mom as an example of how we all do have time.  My mom will say, as many do, “I cannot fit in the time to exercise, I do have a job and a life”.  Here is the truth of it, she spends her free time either surfing (we will call it researching) on the net or she is watching television.  There is the time.  I am not saying give up your passions, incorporate exercise into them.  For example, she can be on a stationary bike (a regular bike might be tough to pull off) and watch television,  Can’t find the time?  Write to me and we will find a way together.

3.  Negative Image of Exercise - Think all exercise is difficult?  No one says you have to pick the most complicated routine or machine to start with.  Exercise can be as fundamental as taking a walk three times a week around your neighborhood.  There is nothing to fear except the repercussions of NOT exercising.

4.  Slow Results - I know, you want a toned, fit or at least changed body overnight but the truth is it takes time. It also depends on how often you work out, how well you stick to your healthy eating plan and what type of exercise you do.  On average, it takes about six weeks to see results.

5.  Expense - Hiring a personal trainer may be a big investment as is home fitness equipment but neither is necessary to get you started on your road to fitness.  You can start by walking around your neighborhood,   lifting jugs of liquid for weights, climbing up and down stairs at home or at work several times.  Crunches and push ups can be done anywhere.  If you have a television you can buy an exercise DVD.  The bottom line is, you don’t need a healthy bottom line to start your plan.

6.  Lonely

- This one actually has validity.  Exercise can be lonely but it doesn’t have to be.  Find a friend who also wants to get into shape or just improve their wellness level (trust me this is easier to find than you think).  Being accountable to someone helps keep you motivated.  It’s easy to sleep in when you are walking at 5:30 am alone but if you know your friend is on her way, you will be more apt to get up.
 
7.  No Motivation - Motivation, like loneliness, can be combated with having a partner.  You will be more likely to stick to a routine because you are motivated by your partner.  Another motivation might be setting a realistic goal.  “I will lose 100 pounds in 2 months” is not a realistic goal.  I will exercise 4 times this week is an attainable goal and one you will work towards.

8.  Too Many Other Things to Do - We are a nation of multi-tasking, over-achievers.  Unfortunately, we tend to find the time for our families and our responsibilities but fall short when it comes to penciling in “healthy time”.  Make a list of your daily activities and allocate time for each.  Make sure exercise is on the list and then no matter what is happening, you have an appointment with yourself, stick to it, your health depends on it.

9. Too…. Hot, cold, rainy, sunny, hazy -  If you can’t make the commitment to yourself because you are too busy making excuses, perhaps you need to realize that there will always be excuses but your health is not guaranteed.  You matter!

10.  I Hate to Exercise - Well, at least this one is honest; the dreaded “E” word, exercise.  This will be the hardest to overcome.  Like anything, if you do not make the decision to quit smoking, moderate drinking, eat properly or exercise, you will not succeed.  Begin with an activity you feel you will enjoy. At least you are giving yourself a chance.  Don’t give up for at lest 6 weeks and see if perhaps that helps you start a pattern.

Top 10 Reason People Should Workout

1.  Healthy Heart
2.  Healthy Skeletal and Muscular System
3.  Increased Caloric Burn
4.  Reduction of Stress
5.  Better Sleep Quality
6.  Increased Energy
7.  Lower Incidence of Disease
8.  Improved Self Esteem
9.  Improved Body Image
10. Improved Stamina

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By Christina Leon, Staff Writer