Has the gasping for breath at the top of a flight of stairs made you think about trying to improve your fitness level, or lack of?



You know you should make time to exercise and you probably want to. You may have even joined a health club before today, but didn't stay long!

It's tough in this modern world of careers, kids and wanting the latest toy!

Most of us are time poor. But, what will the repercussions be later in life, if we don't set aside 20 minutes a day to exercise?

We all know that exercise conditions our body. Our mood improves, it helps prevent osteoporosis and heart disease, it keeps our weight down, it strengthens our heart and lungs, it helps us to sleep better, improves our sex life and it can be fun.

So with all these amazing benefits, why do most of us procrastinate about exercise?

It is because the mind has an amazing ability to fabricate a list of excuses as to why we shouldn't exercise.

You may have found yourself using these excuses at one time or another:

It's too early in the morning!

Getting your exercise done in the morning (before the day starts) is a great idea. However it is very tempting to hit the snooze button. Just think how guilty you will feel all day, knowing you didn't get your exercise done.

It's too cold or it's too hot!

If it's cold, dress warmer or exercise inside. It won't take long to warm up once you start exercising. If it's hot, exercise in the early morning or later in the afternoon. Gyms and fitness centers are all air-conditioned so this is no excuse.

I'm too tired!

Even more reason to exercise. Exercise energizes you and you'll feel fantastic when you're done.

My knees hurt, my muscles are stiff!

Keep going! Reduce the intensity and change the type of exercise. If your knees hurt ride a bike or go for a swim.

I don't have the right shoes or the clothes!

Training shoes and clothing can be bought fairly inexpensively nowadays. eBay is a great place to buy inexpensive trainers and have them delivered to your door!

I'm too fat and I will look stupid!

Regular exercise, with the right diet, will strip all that excess weight in no time. It is important to start and keep consistent. It looks better seeing an overweight person out walking, rather than in a MacDonald's!

I need to sit down and relax for a few minutes!

The problem with sitting down is the 5 minutes turns into 10 minutes, which turns into 30 minutes. Exercise first and then sit down afterwards. Most times you will feel energized and won't feel like sitting down.

I've just eaten!

There is no better time to go for a walk than after a meal. Keep the intensity lower and think of those calories burning.

I can't leave the kids alone at home!

Take them with you and make a game of it, or swap baby sitting with a friend. Most modern gyms offer child care services.

My wife/ husband won't exercise with me!

A long walk on your own is a great time to reflect and think. Keep at it and your spouse will be motivated to join you.

There is a good show on TV!

TiVo is a wonderful invention, so having to watch a good show on TV is no excuse. Record the show, get your exercise done and watch the show afterwards, commercial free.

I'm on vacation!

There is no better time to start exercising and get into the habit of exercising, than when you are on vacation. Use the free time and encourage your family to join in.

At some stage we will all have our excuses as to why we don't exercise today or tomorrow. The truth is, most of the excuses are trivial compared to the massive benefits of exercise.

A stronger heart and lungs, the help in preventing osteoporosis and heart disease, the weight reduction, better sleep and a better sex life are major benefits of exercise that are too important to ignore.