No More Excuses, Have An Exercise Plan

by | Sep 10, 2020 | Fitness

If you want to be successful in sticking to an exercise plan you have to drop the excuses. This is the first step. Think about excuses you may come up with in advance and then create a plan to get rid of the excuse. I have listed a few I have heard many times through the years below. Think about these and other excuses you may have. “I don’t have time for physical activity.” You can “sneak” it into your day, a few minutes at a time. Get started by making these small changes in your daily routine:
  • Get off the bus or subway one stop early and walk the rest of the way (be sure the area is safe).
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator (be sure the stairs are well lit).
  • You do not have to do your entire workout in one block of time.  Break it up—taking three 10-minute walks during your day may be easier than taking one 30-minute walk.
  • Walk and talk with a friend at lunch.
  • Put more energy into housework and yard work.
  • Make regular appointments for your workouts and keep them as you would a hair or nail appointment.
  • Be active while doing other things. For example, lift weights or march in place while watching TV. Try walking around your home while talking on the phone.
“I’m going to ruin my hairstyle.” If you avoid physical activity because you do not want to ruin your hairstyle, try:
  • a natural hairstyle
  • a style that can be wrapped or pulled back
  • a short haircut
  • wear your hair in a braid or twist
“It’s too expensive.” There are lots of ways to be physically active that are free or low-cost. You can:
  • Find a local park or school track where you can walk or run.
  • Walk around a mall.
  • Work out with videos in your home—you can find workout videos at bookstores or your local library.
  • Join a recreation center or fitness center at work or near your home.
  • Walk your dog. If you do not have a dog, pretend that you do.
“Physical activity is a chore.” It can be fun! Try to:
  • Do things you enjoy, like walking, dancing, swimming, or playing sports.
  • Walk or take an exercise class with a friend or a group. This way, you can cheer each other on, have company, and feel safer when you are outdoors.
  • Be active with your kids—ride bikes, jump double-dutch, toss a softball, play tag, or do jumping jacks.  Physical activity is good for them too.
  • Use your daily workouts as time-outs just for yourself.
Any sound familiar? If so, plan ahead. I know you can be physically active most days of the week and have fun doing it.