44A - Part Two -Fit and Well Article for October 26th, 2003
TITLE: "Twelve Best Excuses NOT to Get Fit-Part Two!"
Last week we responded to a wonderful letter from one of our many loyal readers, “Desperate Dan on The Eastern Shore”. He confessed that reading our column regularly has done absolutely NOTHING to improve his health and fitness. He said “I am still overweight, generally weak, and very prone to colds and injuries. I WANT what you have, and seem to offer, but just can’t seem to get motivated! What can I do?”
Well, we seized the opportunity (as we usually do) and compiled the “Ten Most Used (and abused) Excuses for NOT Getting Fit”.
The following are numbers four through ten.
"I'm a Klutz (Yiddish for Uncoordinated)"
Some exercise classes feel more like dance classes. Beautifully trimmed bodies performing exquisite flowing movements! Not all classes are like that. And not all of us are graceful (watch me kick-boxing… you’ll know what I mean!) You need to try various different classes until you find one that suits your needs and level.
Otherwise you could stick to something like walking or swimming, or even playing tennis or badminton with a friend.
"I'm Stuck Indoors With Children"
Taking care of little ones? This is exactly the time when you should be getting outdoors whenever possible. Your association with being indoors is mainly housework and looking after everyone but yourself. Here are a few things you could try:
Check out your local gym or fitness center. Surprise… most offer day care or even classes to engage the kids in a fitness activity of their own.
Go for a daily walk, and take the carriage or stroller out with you. Use the stroller as added exercise for the arms, and for stability. Feel brave or frisky? Go Up Hill!
If the kids are old enough, take them to a park, take a ball and get as active as them. And bring the doggie, too! (Leave the cat and parakeet at home, they hate exercise).
Get someone to look after the children for an hour or two in the evening so you can go and get YOUR needs met!
If all else fails, try working out to an exercise video indoors - even a little bit every day will make you look and feel better. And Jane Fonda tapes are usually on sale!
"Exercise Is Boring"
Of course it is, if you do it wrong, and/or are just focusing on finishing your sessions rather than enjoying the experience itself! Also, it feels boring if you're doing something you don't like or doing the same routine over and over again. Choose activities you enjoy, or better yet exercise with a friend. Change your routine often to keep your interest up. Or, get a Personal Trainer!
"Exercise Makes Me Out Of Breath"
If you are “running out of breath”, you are probably working at too high an intensity for your current fitness level. When you start off exercising, it's important to work at a COMFORTABLE pace. You need to set a realistic pace, and be realistic.
But remember, when you feel the exercise is getting easier, it’s time to increase the level and work a little harder.
"I'm Overweight & Too Embarrassed To Exercise"
Hey, that’s MY story! I literally was TOO self-conscious about myself and my obese condition to even consider stepping into a gym or fitness center. So I started out by exercising at home. After about six months, I felt more confident about displaying my body. Of course, I was convinced everyone would stare at me and maybe even make fun of me. But I found out they were too busy exercising to really care. And besides, we all need to start our journey from where we are, not where others are.
"I've got a sore this or a weak that..."
Of course, check things out with your doctor first. Depending on how serious your injuries or ailments are, there is usually some way of working around it. Find an exercise or activity that you can do without aggravating your condition, such as walking, swimming or cycling. Generally, injuries should NOT be ignored, but should be gently but persistently worked into healing and strength.
So, get the point? The moral of this story is (yes, you’ve heard it before), JUST DO IT!!!!