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By Jeff Galloway

All of us have days when we don’t feel like exercising. Occasionally, you may need a day off, due to sickness, or too much physical activity. But usually this is not the case. Blame your excuses on the left side of your brain. When we are under stress in life (and who isn’t) the left brain will have dozens of great reasons why we shouldn’t work out. They are all perfectly logical and accurate. But we don’t have to believe these messages. Once you quickly decide whether there is a medical reason for these blasts, you’ll usually conclude that the left brain is just trying to make you lazy.

Thinking ahead and organizing your day will reduce or eliminate most of these excuses. You’ll find pockets of time, more energy, quality time with kids, and more enjoyment in the exertion. You’ll tend to be more productive in everything you do because you have “your time to yourself”.

The following is a list of excuses that most of us hear on a regular basis. With each, there’s a strategy for blasting them away. Most of the time, it’s as simple as just getting out there. Remember, you can be the captain of your ship. If you take charge over your schedule and your attitude, you will plan ahead, and you will get out and exercise. As you learn to ignore the left brain, and put one foot in front of the other, the endorphins start flowing, and the excuses start to melt away. Life is good!

“This ________ hurts!”

Most of us have several “weak links”. These areas of the body are the first to hurt when we are stressed and talk to us more on the days when we have more stress. If there is no inflammation, loss of function, or real pain, it is usually OK to exercise. Indeed, exercise releases the stress which can erase or reduce the pains. But if you have any medical concerns, talk to a doctor who wants you to keep exercising.

It’s a physiological fact that stress can greatly aggravate the symptoms of your weak links. Read more about this in MINDBODY PRESCRIPTION by Dr. John Sarno. While there is almost always some aggravation in an area, stress can reduce the blood supply and aggravate the nerve response, producing an increase in the intensity of the symptoms. Gentle exercise can bring blood flow to the area while it releases stress.

“I don’t have time to exercise”

Most of the recent US Presidents have been regular exercisers, as well as most of their vice presidents. Are you busier than the President? You don’t have to exercise for 30 minutes straight. You will get the same benefit from your weekday workouts by doing them in pockets of time: 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there. Many who start an exercise program find that they don’t need as much sleep as they get in better shape, and exercise for 30 minutes or so before the day gets started. It all gets down to the question “Are you going to take control over the organization of your day or not?” Spend a few minutes in the morning to arrange your schedule. By making time for exercise, you’ll also tend to be more productive and efficient, and will “pay back” the time you spend. Bottom line is that you have the time—seize it and you will have more quality in your life. Your loved ones will appreciate this too, because after a workout, you’re nicer to them.

Tip: Cramped for time? Just walk for 5 minutes

The main reason that beginners don’t make progress is that they don’t exercise regularly. Whatever it takes to keep you going every other day—do it. Even if you only have 5-10 minutes, you will maintain most of the adaptations. Besides, if you start with the idea of going for 5 minutes, you’ll usually stay out for 10 or 15.

“People will talk about me”

Many women deprive themselves of the fat-burning, the vitality enhancement and the attitude boost of walking because they are afraid that someone driving by will see them exercising, and judge them in some way. Actually, most people admire and respect those who spend the energy to exercise—whether they look like athletes or not. Besides, it’s not a good idea to let the opinions of unknown people stop you from doing something that can enhance your life.

Exercise makes me tired

If this happens, you are the one responsible. You have almost complete control over this situation. By starting each walk with a good blood sugar level, paced conservatively, with sufficient “shuffle” breaks, then you will feel better and more energized than before you started. If you have a bad habit of going too fast in the beginning, then get control over yourself! As you learn to slow down, you’ll go farther and have more energy at the end—and afterwards.

I don’t have the right build (or technique) for exercise

Just go to any large gym and you’ll see an amazing diversity of body types—including those who weigh more than 300 pounds. Virtually every one of us is genetically designed to walk, and when we do so regularly, our movements become more and more efficient and natural. Even if you don’t have smooth form, you can enjoy the way you feel during and afterward. With all of the different pieces of equipment, you can find one that will work for you.

I need to spend some time with my kids

There are a number of exercise strollers that allow parents to walk with their kids. The two of us logged thousands of miles with our first child, Brennan, in single “baby jogger”. We got a twin carrier after Westin was born. With the right pacing, you can talk to the kids about anything, and they can’t run or crawl away.

You can also walk around a playground as you watch them play, or walk around a track while they play on the infield. Home equipment allows busy moms and Dads to get in their workout as they watch kids napping or watching TV, or talk with them while they are playing.

I’ve got too much work to do

There will always be work to do. Several surveys have found that exercisers get more work done on days they work out. Walking (when paced correctly) can leave you with more energy and a better attitude while you prepare to manage your day. All of this comes with an erasure of stress. Hundreds of morning exercisers have told me that during the quiet morning exercise, they plan their day and solve problems. Others say that the after-work “workout” relieved stress, tied up some of the mental loose ends from the office, and allowed for a transition to home life. You will get as much (probably more) work done each day if you work out regularly.

I don’t have the energy to exercise today

This is one of the easier ones to solve. Most of the exercisers who’ve consulted us about this excuse, had not been eating enough times a day. We don’t mean eating more food. In most cases, the quantity of food is reduced. By eating about every 2-3 hours, most feel more energized, more of the time. Even if you aren’t eating well during the day, you can overcome low blood sugar by having a “booster” snack about an hour before a workout. Caffeine, taken about an hour before exercise, helps (as long as you don’t have caffeine sensitivities). The dynamic food duo that we use is an energy bar and a cup of coffee. Just carry some convenient food with you at all times.

I don’t have my walking shoes and clothes with me

Load an old bag or backpack with a pair of running shoes, a top for both winter and summer, shorts and warm-up pants, towel, deodorant, and anything else you would need for exercise and clean up. Put the bag next to the front door, or in the trunk of your car, etc. Then, the next time you are waiting to pick up your child from soccer, etc, you can do a quick change in the restroom and make some loops around the field, school, etc.

Note: This information came from A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO FAT-BURNING (order from http://www.JeffGalloway.com)