Can you think of a dozen reasons NOT to exercise today? I can. But alas, creativity to the rescue. As we create different exercise routines, we can knock those excuses right out of our heads and get our bodies moving.
1. ”I do not feel like exercising.”
Creative excuse buster: Remember and then visualize a time you felt great after exercising. Play that memory in your mind, and as you do so, get your work out clothes on. This excuse buster works like a charm for me, and if I am having a really hard time getting ready to exercise, I play my favorite music as I visualize how energized I feel after walking on the treadmill or swimming. I love listening to “Little Bird” by Adele. It’s such an upbeat and motivating song.
2. ”I do not feel well enough to exercise.”
Creative excuse buster: While it IS true that there are times when we are injured or too ill to exercise (and when in doubt ask your doctor), there are many more times we can bust this excuse and do some kind of movement. Brainstorm what kind of exercise you can do without hurting yourself. For instance, my left foot and left knee sometimes hurt, and resist exercise because I don’t want to exacerbate the injury more. So while it is not a great day for me to go on the treadmill or take a long walk, it is a great day to swim or go on a stationary bike. I have a close friend who will most likely need knee surgery soon, and while he cannot do many of his regular exercises, he can sit in a chair, listen to loud fast music, move his arms around and move his feet without hurting his knee. He tells me he feels great after his “in the chair” exercise.
3. “I am bored with exercise.”
Creative excuse buster: What do you do when you are bored with your clothes or food? You try something new! Surf the net for websites that feature exercise and get excited about a new kind of exercise. I joined the free website, and I love to watch their fitness videos. They have online teachers that will give you a lesson right in your own home via video. (Just don’t eat cream puffs while watching.) Or just search Youtube for exercise and fitness videos.
4. “I’m too depressed to exercise.”
Creative excuse buster: Create a mantra to say to yourself as needed. Mine is “My body is my temple.” I know that when I exercise I feel better emotionally and physically. I react to my life from a more balanced mental perspective. When I do not exercise, I can get darn right cranky and that is no fun for me or anyone else around me.
Remember that movement of any kind is exercise. If you cannot get outside or to the gym, you can clean your house and move quickly as you go. If there is a will, there is a way.
What gets in the way of your intent to exercise? Create and share your own exercise excuse busters in the comments below.
Great post! I love to integrate right and left brain activity with exercise, so the creativity piece is really good! Thanks for the ideas!
I loved the comment about what we do when we are bored with our clothes or food. It is so true and simple that I think many overlook how easy it is to help yourself stay motivated with exercise. Great post! I have many different exercises I involve myself in for this reason and I find it much easier to stay actively engaged in activities that boost your energy levels.