Experts agree that combining a healthy diet with regular exercise is the most effective way to achieve weight loss. A balanced diet and physical activity can also reduce your risk for disease and improve your mood. So why doesn’t everyone eat right and exercise?
Common reasons to avoid exercise – and what to do about them.
- Lack of time. Many people say they simply don’t have enough time for exercise. The truth is, you can achieve weight loss without spending hours in a gym. Try finding ten minutes at a time to walk. Taking three 10-minute breaks a day equals 210 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. If you make weight loss a priority, you’ll find time in your day to devote to exercise.
- Not enough money. There’s no doubt that the cost of gym memberships, home equipment, and workout DVDs can add up. But you don’t have to spend any money to exercise. Any time you move your body you’re exercising. Walking is free. Doing jumping jacks, sit ups, or push ups in your home won’t cost a thing and can be just as effective for weight loss as a gym membership.
- Hate exercise. It’s true that some people actually enjoy getting on a treadmill or lifting weights, but some people find traditional forms of exercise boring or unpleasant. The key is to find a form of physical activity that you enjoy. Dancing, playing basketball, or going for a hike are all ways to move your body and burn calories. Keep looking until you find something that works for you.
What excuses have been keeping you from achieving your weight loss goals? Identify your obstacles and find creative ways to overcome them.