Weighty Issues

Ok now I am going to confess something huge, something I struggle with daily – I am a very LAZY person! Really I mean it – if given the option I am going to pick my recliner and a bag of chips every single time. You’d be surprised at some of the excuses that I come up with not to work out. You have your standard “I’m tired” or “I don’t have time” along with more creative ones like “I stubbed my big toe,” “my favorite TV show is on” and “it’s bad luck to start a workout under the full moon.”

Seriously I have used each of these and many, many more over the years. But eventually (when they start getting ridiculous – i.e. the moon thing) you have to face facts. Everyone can workout. It fits into every schedule. It is just a matter of deciding to do it and making it happen. No excuses. PERIOD.

Now don’t hate me – I didn’t say that everyone can workout every day for 10 hours at a high intensity level. That is not realistic for even the most dedicate of athletes. What I am saying is that everyone can look at their schedule and find some time to workout. Have 10 minutes in the morning? Have 15 minutes over your lunch hour? Have three days a week to hit the gym? Can you walk? Can you run? Can you lift weights? Play with your kids/grandkids? Take the stairs?

You see where I am going with this… do what you can as often as you can.

The first thing you need to do is map out your week. Not down to the minute, but in general know what you are doing and when. Now see what days work best to sneak in some activity. Be realistic – don’t write down 7 days a week and then only get in 1. Pick 2-3 days to start, get into a routine, and begin at the appropriate intensity level. If you haven’t worked out in years, don’t hop on the treadmill and expect to run 5 miles. Get moving first and worry about getting better later.

My biggest, baddest piece of advice this week – WRITE IT DOWN. People who schedule workouts in advance are more likely to stick with it.

So let’s take the excuses out of the equation and get moving! Good luck!