10 reasons you don't exercise debunked!

10. You really hate to exercise.
-Then you simply have not found the activity which fits your personality. Not everyone needs to run 5 miles a day to say they exercise. Exercise comes in all forms. So take the time to find something that fits you--a dance class, hiking, or a simple walk. You CAN find exercise that you DON'T hate.

9. You've tried to exercise but you keep quitting.
-Set reasonable goals and take it slow. Most people quit because they are discouraged or burnt out. If you start slow and make gradual increases, this is less likely to occur.

8. You can't afford a gym membership
-Neither can I! I'm a grad student. If you are lucky enough to live in beautiful San Diego, just walk out your door! You can also find fitness videos online and free community centers in nearly any area. While a gym membership is convenient, there are many other resources people just aren't taking advantage of.

7. You're not seeing any changes in your body.
-This can be frustrating...but stop to think, how long did it take your body to change into what it is now? Getting it back in shape takes time. You also have to do more than look in the mirror. Notice how much easier it is to climb a set of stairs and how much more energy you have. While changes in your looks may take a while, the physiological changes come pretty quickly.

6. You don't know how to exercise.
-Sure you do....you walk everyday right? You know how to walk up the stairs too, huh? OH, and you're sitting on the Internet right now....simply Google exercise. That will keep you busy for awhile!

5. You want to exercise but you have to take care of your family.
-Exercising IS taking care of your family. If you aren't healthy, they will no longer have anyone to take care of them. So, in order not to cut your time short with your family, get them involved too. Go on a walk after dinner or go for a short hike after school. Not only will you get your exercise in, but you will also have a great opportunity to talk and catch up.

4. You can't seem to stay motivated to continue working out.
-Variety is key. You have to change things up or you WILL get bored. Your body will also plateau. So, try out a new workout video, take a different path on your next walk, etc. And again, remember, taking care of your self is taking care of your loved ones....who needs more motivation than that?

3. Exercise HURTS!
-It doesn't have too! And if it does, just turn it down a notch. Sure, you should feel a good burn when you are really working, but severe pain is not necessary nor good for your body.

2. You can't make the commitment to stick to an exercise routine.
-Again, take small steps. Park further away from the door at the grocery store, take the stairs at work, go for an extra walk with your dog....small steps are key.

1. You don't have time!
-But you have time to surf the web or watch your favorite TV show? Interesting. Small adjustments in your schedule can be made to allow for exercise. In fact, you could exercise during the commerical breaks of your favorite TV show, or you could just wake up 30 minutes earlier each morning. Again, small adjustments and goals are the best route for maintained fitness and overall lifestyle change.