Originally published June 30 2005
Most excuses for not exercising don't hold water
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
There are more excuses for not exercising than there are muscle groups to exercise, but Lansing State Journal columnist Donna Hartman says there are very few legitimate excuses, and lists some points to motivate excuse makers off the couch.
Nearly everybody can come up with an excuse for not working out at home, outdoors or in the gym.
"I've heard every excuse in the book," said Jana Dunson-Martin, fitness director for the Lakewood Ranch YMCA in Bradenton, Fla.
Fitness experts and the American Council on Exercise have some ideas to get you off the couch and keep you motivated.
The organization found that 46 percent of its Web site visitors said they didn't go to the gym because it was too crowded; 21 percent said they didn't go because they don't know what they're doing; 19 percent said they felt they would be the only one who isn't "buff" or in really good shape; 11 percent said rude gym etiquette (people not wiping sweat off machines or not letting others work on a machine) keeps them from going to the gym; and 3 percent said they're afraid to ask questions.
But, Oneilo Perez, a personal trainer with Gold's Gym Super Center in Bradenton, Fla., said procrastination is the greatest obstacle for most people to overcome in getting and staying motivated to work out.
Perez said some newcomers to a gym might feel intimidated or discouraged when they see unfamiliar exercise machines or fit people working out at a gym.
"Some people do feel lost," he said.
"But, when they see someone else who is really fit, they can use that as motivation."
"Set goals that are achievable so you can see progress," she said.
It can be as simple a goal as wanting to get fit to go for long bike rides with family members, she said.
Eric Wilds, owner of Spotted Dog Fitness Center in Bradenton, said time and scheduling are the most frequent excuses he hears from people for not exercising.
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