I want to workout but,,,(refuting the excuses)

Everyone knows excuses are like A$$*&%$@--so let’s end excuses not to work out today, and make a reason to workout!

1. It’s so hard to get started
The flip side of that is, its so easy to get hooked! You need to ink workout time into your daily schedule. Once you see it in your daily diary (or Blackberry), you’ll feel obligated to follow through with it. Post sticky notes around your home, office and in your car. Tie a string around your finger. Do whatever it takes to remind you to exercise. While the first ten minutes of your workout may seem tedious, commit to completing them. If after ten minutes you still don’t feel like it, then you can stop and try again later. Some physical activity is better than none at all. And for most fitness buffs, once you’ve completed the first stages you’ll have the energy to bounce into the next.


2. I get out of work late, and there’s traffic, and by the time I get home, there just isn’t time…
Make it your business to fit in fitness no matter what. The key to getting your workout in everyday is to always be prepared--don’t let not having shorts or shoes prevent you from doing your workout. Bring a change of clothes to work or class with you, then go for a run outside your building after.

3. Exercise is so boring (I hate the treadmill)
They key is to get yourself motivated. Do something that excites you. You can tailor the workout to your taste, and mix it up every 4-6 weeks. One day, kick the family or roommate out, blare your favorite ‘get pumped’ music and just move around. Buy some workout dvds. Checkout free classes offered by NYC parks and recreation and collect free gym passes. Some people find that exercising with a pal makes the workout more fun, so if that’s the case, grab one of your buds and make a pact to workout together a few days a week. Finally, if you can afford it--look into a personal trainer. Many (Rebekah, for example) are willing to come to you.


4. I hate exercise; it’s too hard
That mentality will sabotage your fitness plans. Working out doesn’t have to be hard--it’s all in the mind set. Don’t focus on what you’re not doing--concentrate on the fact that you’re off the couch and doing something good for you! Get out and jog to the coffeeshop.Grab a bud and rollerblade to the West Side highway. Give your house a clean sweep. If you like goal-oriented activities, looking into joining a sports team. Once you ditch the negative attitude towards working out, you may just find that you love it.

5. I Can’t workout five days a week, so why should I bother?
Stop right now! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again--every moment in motion counts. While ideally its best to workout five or six days a week, for most it’s not realistic. Think quality when your schedule doesn’t’ allow for quantity. Do mini workouts whenever you can. Think HIIT: high intensity interval training. Three bouts of intensive 10 minute mini-workouts throughout the day are as effective as one 30 minute workout! Squeeze in jumping jacks, pushups and sit-ups while you’re watching tv. Do lunges while your waiting in line (ignore the strange looks. They’re just jealous--really!) Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk whenever possible. All these tid-bits add up to subtract from your fat supply.


6. I don’t have a gym in my building and memberships are soooo expensive.
So don’t go to a gym. A gym is to exercisers what a cathedral is to
Catholics--a public place where you can be seen practicing your beliefs. But membership is not mandatory. Your body responds to solo exercise the same way it does to group exercise. If you aren’t in the market for a home gym substitute water bottles and use them as weights. You can also purchase a medicine ball, physic ball and resistance bands cheaply at your local K-Mart or other similar stores--and they don’t’ take up much space.

7. I’ve worked out in the past and didn’t see any changes in my body
You need to stick to your workout for at least six weeks before you’ll see any substantial changes in your figure. Be patient. You didn’t gain weight overnight and you can’t loose it overnight either. One to two lbs. per week is reasonable. Also, consider a change in your diet. Those caramel lattes, pre-meal morsels and sugary sodas can add up fast. Do you use full fat milk? Switch to 2 percent. Salad bars can wreak havoc on your hips--avoid the creamy dressings and cheese and stick to a yummy drizzle of oil, vinegar and fresh lemon. Record what you eat every day for a week--and be honest. No judgements or adjustments. Just write down what you eat, when and why. Then look back and see where you can make changes. If you can’t do it on your own talk to a nutritionist to help you get on the right track.


8. I don’t have time
Yes, you do. What about those two hours every night you dedicate to catching up on sitcoms. Or, your after work social sessions at the bar or coffeehouse? You may have to sacrifice a little here and there--but your health is worth it. Exercise is a great stress buster, and you’ll find that once you’ve made time for it, you’ll have more energy to be productive. You’ll think clearer, and you’ll feel better in general. Remember, put it in your blackberry. If you’re not ready to give up Seinfeld re-runs for the gym, workout while you’re watching it. Run in place, do jumping jacks. There’s no such thing as not having time to exercise.

9. I feel dumb in the gym; I don’t know how to use the equipment.
First, no gym required. Second--body weight exercises or those using light weights and resistance bands is where it’s at. You don’t need machines. If you belong to a gym, take advantage of your free personal training session (most gyms don’t tell you about it--but read your contract). The trainer will acquaint you with the equipment.


10. I’m out of excuses
So, get started now! If you think of another reason no to work out--email me at Corevolutionnyc@gmail.com