We all have excuses as to why we won’t exercise. Exercising regularly takes time, but it is time well spent. Just as visiting the physician and going to the dentist takes time, these are all good investments in our health. The following are common excuses that we have all used:

It is important that you choose an activity that you enjoy, if you plan to stick with it. If you bought an exercise machine 2 months ago and you’ve only used it once, you may want to consider a different type of exercise. Choose an activity that you enjoy and feel good about. Any of the following activities can increase your heart rate and provide you with cardiovascular benefits: walking, cycling, jogging, dancing, aerobic dance, rowing/canoeing/kayaking, outdoor sports and cardiovascular exercise equipment. Once you begin your routine, be sure to do the following on a regular basis:

Reward yourself every day

“ I have found other ways to reward myself besides sitting on the couch devouring a container of ice cream. I try to take time for myself everyday whether it is sitting down with a good book, listening to my favorite music, or relaxing in a nice bubble bath, I try to do something for myself every day.”

Set small goals for yourself

“ I would always be discouraged from not reaching these unrealistic goals that I would set for myself. Once I began to set goals that were more realistic to reach, I was actually successful every day and that does a lot for your moral.”

Indulge occasionally

“ I went from depriving and punishing myself every time I ate something I thought I shouldn’t be eating to enjoying those foods on special occasions. I realized that what I ate most of the time made the difference, not that occasional splurge on a holiday, birthday, or any other time.”

Don’t make exercise a chore

“ I forced myself to use this awkward exercise machine that I bought with good intention. I would dread having to get on it every night. Then, I decided to do some of the things I used to really enjoy. Since then I’ve been lifting weights, bike riding, even roller blading, and I actually look forward to all of them.”

Don’t punish yourself

“ Before, I would get so mad at myself if I missed a few workouts or overate at a meal. Now, that just motivates me even more to get back on track and realize I’m not perfect.”