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NO MORE EXCUSES

Things ache. You’re tired all the time. Walking up the stairs leaves you out of breath. You fall sick easily. Your cholesterol is too high. You’ve gone up two sizes in the last year. You’re feeling older every day. Does this sound familiar?

Ok then …you know exercise gives you more energy, makes you stronger, helps keep your weight in control and makes you feel and look younger – then why aren’t you working out? Excuses won’t make you feel better, only action and a real commitment to live healthy now.

Here are my answers to all of your excuses. Believe me, I’ve heard them all.

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Exercise is boring.

Only if what you choose to do is boring! Find something that sparks your enthusiasm. Is there something you’ve wanted to do but just haven’t got around to? How about taking up tennis or golf, salsa-dancing or skiing? What about joining a softball league or runners club? A personal trainer can help add some fun and excitement to your workouts as well as taking group exercise classes.

I don’t have time.

There are 24 hours in everyone’s day. We all choose to spend them differently. Ask yourself what deserves the highest priority? Even if your time is largely tied up, how much can you really accomplish if you’re not feeling healthy? Even a little bit here and there makes a difference.  Walk an extra 5 blocks to work.  Do situps between TV commercials.  Remember that nothing else is more important than setting time aside to improve your health –nothing!

I don’t have the energy.

Your energy may be low because you are mentally rather than physically tired. You need to force yourself past the mental block. Exercise will actually give you a boost and INCREASE your energy levels, leaving you less tired at the end of the day. It won’t feel that way at first but take comfort in knowing that exercising gets easier every day. Once you’ve been on a regular exercise routine, you will realize how poorly you were feeling before and how great you feel now. I guarantee you’ll never want to go back.

I feel too embarrassed.

Every time you exercise, remember that you are making a positive step for yourself. You don’t need fancy clothes or a gym membership. If the thought of working out around strangers turns you off, get some exercise videos or hire a personal trainer and exercise in the comfort of your own home. Something as simple as a 30-minute walk is also a great way to build your fitness.

The gym is too far from home.

You don’t need a gym to exercise and be healthy. Follow the advice I gave for the excuse above and take up walking or exercising with videos or equipment at home. The Internet is a great resource for ideas on exercise. You can also look for a health club near your job and go before or after work. There are community centers in many areas, which offer healthy activities. Do you have access to a pool? Are there hiking trails near your home?

I don’t need to exercise.

Our bodies were designed to move. Modern technology such as cars and the Internet have made it too easy to become static. Now, more than ever, we must make time to exercise. Heart attacks, strokes and diabetes are all related to inactivity. People who exercise live longer and feel more energetic. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take a pro-active approach now.

Exercise hurts.

Exercise should never cause you injury if you go at it the right way. Seek the advise of a fitness trainer or read up on what type of exercises are right for you. You have to slowly work up to fitness to get the most benefit. Being healthy is a lifetime commitment so take your time and do it right. I’ll say it again – It won’t feel it at first but take comfort in knowing that exercising gets easier every day. Once you’ve been on a regular exercise routine, you will realize how poorly you were feeling before and how great you feel now.

The Easiest Exercise Program Ever!

Lets face it, if you live in this city (or any other urban jungle), finding the time to exercise is challenging. You might even argue that it’s impossible. What if I told you it wasn’t- that not only do I have an exercise program that’s easy but also one that will only take up 10 minutes of your time and have you walking more than 260 miles!

I know it sounds crazy but it’s true. This exercise program cost nothing. It doesn’t require any special clothing and involves absolutely no equipment. You do it on your way to and from work, and it only takes 10 minutes. Best of all you’ll increase your cardiovascular fitness, lose almost 8 lbs of body fat and feel better instantly.

“What is it”, you ask? It involves simply getting off one stop sooner on your bus or train commute and walking the rest of the way… Yes, you read correctly – get off one stop before your station and WALK the rest of the way to work.

Hear me out! Subway and bus stops are spaced 8-9 city blocks apart. Since 20 city blocks equal approximately 1 mile, you’ll be effectively walking a half-mile by getting off one stop sooner. Do the same for your commute home and you’ll have walked a mile or more. Even at a relatively modest pace of 3.0 mph it will take just 10 minutes each way. There really is no excuse not to try this. Even if it is summertime, the morning temperature should be cool enough that you won’t sweat through your clothes. This is less of an issue going home, where you can easily shower and change.

Follow this program and in one week you will have walked 5 miles and burned an extra 240 calories. It doesn’t sound like a lot but make this your daily routine and in one year you will have burned off enough calories to equal almost 8 lbs of body fat. Best of all you’ll have walked an extra 260 miles, increasing your cardiovascular fitness and making you look and feel healthier.

-Antonio