by Matthias Deangelo

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

1. Lack of time:

There are exercise programs you can complete in 10 minutes, or five minutes or less. You have time to eat, time to watch TV, time to shower, put on make up? Then you can find time to exercise. I am not suggesting that you give up eating or showering, or even TV watching altogether. Rather, take a look at your schedule and try to shave 5-10 minutes off of three or more of the activities. If you want health and energy, then get your but off the couch and turn off the TV. Or, if you absolutely can't (or won't) give up that favorite TV show, then do your sit-ups or exercise bike in front of the TV. If you have important paperwork to review, then read it while you're on the treadmill. Why not take a power walk at lunch time with co-workers? You can bounce ideas off each other. Multi-tasking helps you get things done and gives you more energy to take on the rest of the workday. Or walk by yourself and clear your mind.

Or get yourself out of bed an hour earlier in the morning. You can't do that? Well your next excuse is..

2. I am too tired:

No one says you have to exercise in the morning, but consider this: Exercise in the morning is a great way to get yourself charged up. Also, part of the reason you are so tired may be because you aren't getting exercise. A body at rest tends to stay at rest. Your body will store excess food as fat instead of burning it off through exercise. This saps your energy and makes you even more tired. Too tired? If anything, you are too tired NOT to exercise, so get up and get moving.

3. Exercise equipment and/or gyms are too expensive.

First of all, you can pick up some pieces of equipment (like pull up bars) for less than $30. And gym memberships can go for as little as $10 per month (less than 34 cents per day). That's one McDonald's coffee every third day. Then there are public recreation/community centers that offer very inexpensive exercise programs. There is no way, you can't find an extra $10 or $20 in your budget. But guess what? You don't even need to pay for exercise equipment. You can get into shape walking or jogging, or doing push-ups at home.

4. My health is bad, from illness or injury:

Check with your doctor about what you can or can't do, and don't overdo any exercise, but unless you are in a coma, there are still there are still some exercises you can do. Most physicians will tell you that working on your physical health, will help you recover from or cope with illness or injury more effectively.

5. I am too old.

Please! Look at Jack LaLanne , who at 94 is still stronger and healthier than most 20 year-olds! Weight training for the elderly is producing phenomal results, like the elderly cardiac patients who saw their strength and health improve after weight training. According to a Harvard study, "90-year-olds who hadn't been able to walk unaided for years regained amazing amounts of mobility after a 10-week supervised weightlifting program."

6. Other excuses?

If you are still searching for other excuses, then don't waste my time! No one can force you to exercise, so if you have all this time to think up more excuses, then at least excuse #1 goes out the door. Why not go out the door with it for a walk or jog?

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