Avoiding Exercise Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions 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).