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| S-T-O-P the excuses! |
Procrastination. We’re all guilty of putting something off even when we know it needs to be done now. In fact, procrastination is such an issue that this week has been named “National Procrastination Week”. And, let’s be honest, exercise is one of those things that you know you should do but, well, there are just so many “good” reasons to put it off. The reasons people use to justify why they aren’t able to exercise are perceived barriers that can easily be broken down. So, let’s get to the fun part: breaking down some common barriers so you can start living a healthier life NOW.
Excuse #1: “I don’t have time to exercise.”
You’re busy. I’m not arguing that fact. But, you’ll be busier if you have to head to the doctor on a regular basis because you have type II diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic illness, many of which can be linked to a sedentary lifestyle. Here’s the good news: just 15 minutes of exercise each day can lead to big improvements in your health. According to one study, exercising for 15 minutes per day can slash your risk of death by 14% and extend your life expectancy up to 3 years. We've got a challenge for you: go to your calendar right now and pencil in a 15-minute workout each day this coming week. Pretty soon, you won’t have any idea how you used to make it through an entire day without exercise.
Excuse #2: “I don’t have the energy to exercise.”
You know that old adage, something about objects in motion? There is truth in that saying and it can be hard to drag yourself out of bed (or off the couch) and get moving, but you'll actually have more energy after you exercise. In a study that came out last month, researchers found that 20 minutes of low-intensity exercise increased energy by 20% and decreased feelings of fatigue by 65% in study participants. If your day leaves you feeling sluggish by noon, take a 10-20 minute exercise break before you grab a cup of coffee or raid the break room candy jar. Plus, if you feel worn out at the end of a long day, just a few minutes of exercise will increase your energy and help you sleep better at night!
Excuse #3: “I don’t have the money to exercise.”
I just saw a report that Jennifer Aniston’s fabulousness costs her around $141, 037.97 per year. Don’t have the kind of extra cash to get her toned arms and abs? Here’s a little secret: you don’t need to shell out major money for a personal trainer, a gym membership, and A-list celebrity style workout clothes in order to be fit & healthy. All you need is a pair of comfortable, supportive shoes for exercise, which will run you about $35. You can reach your fitness goals by walking, jogging, or doing some equipment-free workouts, like this 15-minute fat burning workout or a yoga routine for stronger legs. You don’t need to break the bank to be healthy, and a little investment in your health will save you big time money in the long run because you’ll save on medication costs, doctor visits, and potentially costly medical procedures. Now, doesn’t that sound like a wise investment?
Remember, the things that appear to be blocking your road to good health are just temporary and they can easily be broken down. Once you plan a strategy to overcome your barriers, you will find your path to healthy living is wide open and excuse-free!
