Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Overcoming Exercise SetbacksExcuses, excuses! Let's explore some of the reasons we give ourselves for not exercising and find helpful ways to handle them.
Excuse: I am too busy to exercise.
Suggestion: Make exercise a priority. Try to schedule exercise into your day the same way you would schedule another appointment.
Excuse: Exercise increases my appetite.
Suggestion: Studies have shown that moderate exercise decreases appetite in most people. If exercise makes you feel hungrier, think about it for a minute: Is it real hunger or is it psychological? Pay attention to that little voice in your head. I can treat myself to a cookie because I exercised today! Sound familiar?
Excuse: I am too tired.
Suggestions: Set smaller exercise goals on the days you feel exhausted. Tell yourself you only have to walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes instead of your original plan of 45 minutes. Chances are that once you get on the treadmill you will go for the full 45 minutes anyway. Sometimes just the thought of doing something is more tiring than actually doing it! You might also want to find an exercise buddy. It can help to be accountable to someone else. Finally, make sure that you are getting adequate sleep as well as eating a healthy diet. If you try to take your calories too low or go too long without eating, your energy levels will plummet.
