- “I don’t have time.”
Thirty minutes exercise a day is all it takes to make a difference. That’s one episode of Shortland Street, a couple of chapters of a book or even a natter on the phone to a talkative friend. Make an effort to fit it in somewhere get up half an hour earlier if necessary.
- “I can’t afford it.”
Regular exercise doesn’t have to mean an expensive gym membership or a personal trainer. Walking is cheap (all you need is a good pair of shoes) or try dancing around your living room to your favourite music.
- “It takes too long to see results.”
Good things come to those who wait. No, you won’t see or feel changes to your health overnight but persevere and it will happen. Keep a diary (ie record your weight if you are exercising to shed kilos) and jot down how much weight you lose, plus other things like your general mood and if you find it easier to do activities like walking up several flights of stairs.
“I’m embarrassed about people seeing me exercise.” Don’t be. Everyone had to start somewhere. If it really does concern you, work out where nobody can see you, such as your bedroom or living room, or with people who are a similar size and ability as you are.
“Nobody gives me any encouragement.”
This can be hard but at the end of the day remember that you’re not exercising for anybody else, you’re doing it for yourself. While the support of other people really helps, if you don’t have that you may have to be your own “cheerleading team” and keep reminding yourself you’re doing it for a good reason your health.
- “I can’t get motivated.”
Find something that will spur you on a photo of yourself when you were slimmer, a dress you’d like to get into again, pictures of an activity you’d like to be fit enough to do. Keep them on hand and keep telling yourself over and over, “I can do this”. If all else fails, offer yourself a reward as motivation (as long as it’s not unhealthy food).
- “People who devote lots of time to exercise are vain.”
A friend once told me this was why she didn’t exercise there were too many vain people at the gym. Some people who exercise do it because they want to look good, but what’s wrong with that? Exercising can make you look good as well as making you feel great and improving your health too.
- “I hate exercise.” Surely you can’t hate every single type of exercise? Weight-lifting or jogging won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but what about rowing, roller skating, playing table tennis or bouncing on a trampoline? Find something that is fun and choose several different activities so you don’t get bored. Then get up off the sofa and do it!
