Why You Don't Exercise - Part 2

Moving Right Along

In our previous article we discussed two reasons why you don't exercise. The first was the fact that you really do hate to exercise and the second was that you quit before you really get started. In spite of the truth that exercise is not only good for you and an important factor in longevity, heart health and ageing - exercise has a great number of other benefits, including improved sex. Yes, you did read that correctly. But we'll get into that later.

I Can't Afford A Gym Membership

So, let's continue with the reasons you don't exercise. Next on the list is the cost of a gym membership. Really, there is no reason at all for you to have to join a gym in order to become fit. There are plenty of options - the YMCA, rec centers, or community centers are other considerations. Don't want to do that either? Okay - how about walking or running? All you need is a good pair of shoes for a simple, accessible, affordable workout. Multi-use equipment like a stability ball, dumbbells, and bands are excellent for use at home. You can strengthen any muscle group, from your core to your hamstrings, without a huge investment in equipment or memberships. There are an amazing number of free resources on the internet. Check them out and download as many free exercise programs as you can handle. By the way, you don't have to work out with weights - there are hundreds of excellent body-weight-only workouts that work and are easily accessible on the net.

Nothing's Happening Yet!

Another reason you might give up on exercise is that you aren't seeing results quickly enough. We wish we had better news than this...everyone seems to feel the same way about this aspect of fitness. Yet, you also know that those pounds didn't pile on overnight. Somehow, though, you expect they'll fall off in a nanosecond (Come on, be honest). You must give your body time to react to a new discipline. It could take several weeks (up to 12!) before it gets the idea. That's why it is really important to be realistic with your goals and expectations. It's more important to focus on the importance of exercise rather than the changes you want to see within 24 hours of beginning an exercise program.

I Don't Know How...

One of the more popular "reasons" for not exercising is the cry, "I don't know how to do this." Nice try. These days, that just doesn't fly. There is way too much information available at the touch of your fingertips. Connect with a personal trainer or use one of the free fitness and weight loss programs available on the net to get started. You're running out of excuses...