Although many people wish they were exercising more often, sometimes those same people come up with a number of excuses to not exercise. Here are some constructive responses to the most common excuses.
Excuse #1
"I'm too busy; I have no time."
You only need 20 - 60 minutes, 3 - 6 times each week. This is time that you probably spend watching TV, etc. Schedule your exercise time in your daytimer or make an appointment with a friend to meet the same time each day. Even short amounts of exercise, such as 10 minutes, performed multiple times a day is beneficial.
Excuse #2
"I'm too tired, I have no energy."
For the energy you expend on exercise, you receive twice as much back. So,if you have a lot of things to do, you'll need extra energy to get them done.
Excuse #3
"It's easier to sit and watch TV than exercise (I'm lazy)."
The less you do, the less you'll be able to do: if you don't use it, you'll lose it!
Excuse #4
"If I exercise, I get short of breath."
You only need 20 - 60 minutes, 3 - 6 times each week. This is time that you probably spend watching TV, etc. Schedule your exercise time in your daytime or make an appointment with a friend to meet the same time each day. Even short amounts of exercise, such as 10 minutes, performed multiple times a day is beneficial.
Excuse #5
"Exercise is boring!"
Make exercise fun. Distract yourself by watching TV, listening to music or books on tape, reading, or exercising with a friend. Keep a log or diary of your progress. Give yourself rewards for sticking with your exercise program (a new CD, a long-distance phone call, a night out, etc.)
Excuse #6
"I can't exercise today because the weather is bad."
Always have a Plan A and a Plan B. If Plan A is walking outdoors, then Plan B may be stationary biking, walking on a treadmill, walking at the mall, or going to the local YMCA or recreation center.
Find an Activity That Fits Your Personality
What kind of exerciser are you?
- Team player
- Try basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer
- Loner
- Try biking, walking, swimming
- Strenuous exercise
- Try jogging, water aerobics, stationary biking (spinning)
- Easier intensity
- Try low impact aerobics, swimming, hiking, golf
- Like to socialize
- Try mall walking, aerobics, water aerobics, classes at your local recreation or fitness center
This information has been approved by Kimberly Sack, MS, PT (May 2012).
