My City March 2023

Once you have identified your “why,” get ready to face the excuses that will inevitably arise.

Excuse 1: There’s just no time. Here’s one of the big ones right off the bat. You DON’T have the time or you don’t want to MAKE the time – which is it? You don’t have to put in multiple hours of exercise in a day; all it takes to get going is 30 minutes. Let’s say you work eight or nine hours a day which leaves you maybe four hours after work until you get ready for bed. Sure, that doesn’t seem like much after you make dinner, help the kids with homework, do the dishes etc., but how much time do you spend in front of the television ev ery night? Is it one hour? Two? What’s more important: getting in shape or streaming an episode that you can watch at any time? Why not combine them? Watch that episode while working out. Aha! Now we are playing with power! Getting in shape requires some kind of sacrifice – why not make it a half hour of TV? Once you have made the time to exercise, put it in your planner and make it a habit. Excuse 2: I’m just too tired. You found the time, now it’s time to find the motivation. After work and chores, it’s easy to push aside exercise because you feel as though you have nothing left in the tank; but contrary to what you feel, the science says other wise. As you work out and your body begins to be more efficient, you will gain more energy. You will recover quicker and each day you will feel better and

better. The first couple of weeks can be rough but be determined and you will feel more energetic every day into the future. Don’t believe me? Hey, give it a shot and see for yourself. Sure, you will have some rough days but overall, your confidence will soar and you will feel ready to be more active daily. Excuse 3: Working out is so boring. You’ve found purpose, time and dedication but man, this whole thing is a snore fest. Exercise certainly isn’t a carnival but with a positive outlook, you can make it interesting. Combine it with entertainment by getting on a treadmill or exercise bike and watching an episode of your favorite show, or take it outside and find some trails to run or walk. Think outside of the box for exercise and join an adult basketball, soccer, hockey league or find a friend to share a workout with. Keep changing it up and avoid a rut. Get your mind engaged and come up with new ways to make it all interesting. If something is boring then find a funner way to do it. Don’t let this excuse get you as it has so many others. There is always an engaging alternative. Excuse 4: Can’t afford it. Life is expensive. Workout equipment, gym memberships, personal trainers and more can be a drain on your pocketbook; how ever, in today’s world all you really need is a comfortable wardrobe and shoes. Today, gym memberships can be had for as little

over the obstacles and get to feeling good about yourself once again. Step one, of course, is to identify the “why”? Why do you want to get in shape? More self-confidence? To be there for children and family further into the future? Because you miss being active? Be honest with yourself – and once you have identified your “why,” get ready to face the excuses that will inevitably arise.

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