Exercise Excused

I like to exercise. Really, I do. Walking with my dogs is one of my favorite things. When I have a trainer, there is nothing like the feeling of pushing myself to make me know that I can do anything. And finally, dragging myself out of the Y, sweaty and weak, red and messy, I feel like I just did something that no one else could have done for me.

That said, it's really hard for me to exercise. I'll get in a groove and go-go-go for a few months. But if I get busy or some other life element creeps in, the gym is the first thing on my to-do list to get cut. And once I stop working out, getting started again is harder than the last time I walked in. Because I know it's hard. I know that I won't feel good the first time around. And I know that I shouldn't have stopped in the first place.

I did a group training class at the beginning of the year. I felt AWESOME. Twice a week for an hour each, I got in cardio, stretching and weights. I did each move right and used muscles I didn't know I had. I lost inches, my clothes got looser, I could go longer without losing my breath and even felt stronger. But after class ended, so did my time at the gym. So when I went back this summer and discovered just how out of shape I'd become in a couple months, was I ever disappointed. All that work, gone. And no one to blame but myself.

So, next time you want to skip the gym, or are too tired to walk, here's an excuse proof guide from Weight Watchers. Now get to the gym!


Wall to Wall Mirrors
In a study published in Psychology and Health recently, researchers from Canada compared how unfit women coped in one of four conditions: to cycle for 20 minutes on an exercise bike alone with no mirror; to cycle alone in front of a mirror; to cycle with two to four other women with no mirror; or to cycle with two to four other women in front of a mirror.

The women who exercised with others in front of a mirror appeared to suffer the most— they felt less revitalized afterwards, more exhausted and more self-conscious.

Solution:
You can shut your eyes and just focus on your movements on machines like cross trainers or bikes. Or focus on watching TV or someone across the room and not yourself.

Muscle Men Hogging the Weights Space
“Gyms are often dominated by cliques and really narcissistic types only interested in their own reflection in the mirror,” says Ian Turrell, a personal trainer from Newcastle upon Tyne and Wear, England. "There are more and more gyms which are starting to have a private workout area, away from the normally bustling free weights area, which is encouraging for first time or new users."

Solution:
Find a gym, which has separate areas for weights and stretching. Go at quieter times when there aren't crowds dominating the area.

Not Many People My Age/Size/Weight Go
Shop around your area to find a gym that does cater for your age group or fitness level. Going to classes is another option.

Solution:
Many gyms will offer a free trial period or charge a small fee for a pass that gives you access to their gym for anywhere from one day to a week. Use this time to scope out the scene and see how you feel about the environment, employees and other members. If you're not happy with that gym, sample another one.

It’s hopeless: I still don’t know what to do while I'm here.
Ask questions. Be assertive: The gym staff are there to help you, so find a friendly- looking one and ask them to explain what the machines are for and let them know what you find tricky.

Solution:
Having a personal relationship with a friendly face there will really help.

I hate the music.
The cheesy dance stuff churned out in most gyms is often cited as a reason people don’t like spending too long there.

Solution:
Wear an iPod or MP3 player with your choice of music.

I just don’t feel like a gym user.
Fake it—buying some cool fitness clothes and dressing up to go to the gym will start to build an association of feel-good feelings with the place.

Solution:
You don’t need to lay out a fortune. Just some nicely coordinated outfits that flatter your shape will make the association of feeling good with looking good.

Remember, exercise has to be enjoyable if you are going to stick at it. Don't forget to start slowly and give yourself time to get used to this new active lifestyle.

And if you need motivation, call me for some. Because motivating others makes me want to move it too. It's all about support!