Fitness tips from the physical therapist

A Preventive Health & Fitness Company
"Keep Active and Have Fun!"

Excuses for Not Exercising

You have done it several times in your life. You make a
New Years Resolution or a promise to yourself to start a
physical activity routine, join a gym or use the exercise bike
that you bought two years ago. We have all heard this story either in
spring in anticipation of the "body beautiful" for summer or
after the Christmas indulgence.

But somehow each year we find a way to rationalize to
ourselves why we do not embark on a personal health and
fitness program.

Can't Find 30 Minutes For Exercise?

In 1986, the Better Health Commission Report found that the two
most common excuses for not exercising were lack of time and
that exercise was too difficult to sustain. There are 336
half-hours in every week, of which we generally sleep for 105
of them. This leaves 231 half hours for exercise. The
challenge is to find a minimum of 3 half hours a week for
exercise. By making physical activity a part of your everyday
schedule much like brushing your teeth you are giving yourself
time to exercise and consequently other things will not get in
the way.

Other Common Excuses

I don't know what to do.
I'm too unfit.
I have no gear.
There are no facilities or no one to exercise with.

Unfortunately the fitness-fairy godmother cannot wave a magic
wand and create a fit and healthy individual. We need to make
a commitment and put time aside. Too often I see clients who
have put physical activity on the back burner for a number of
years and then want to 'get fit in ten easy lessons', 2 hour
per day, five days a week. This approach is likely to lead to
injury and or illness. Moderation and consistency are the keys
to a progressive exercise program for sustainable long-term
lifestyle changes.

Do You have A Treadmill Gathering Dust In The Attic?

Approximately two-thirds of the adult population above the age
of 45 do not exercise. Some see the solution as hiring or
buying an exercise bike or treadmill or buying a gym
membership. However a large percentage of individuals who
purchase a gym membership cease attending within the first
three months, with half of those quitting within the first 21
days.

In addition only 25% of people who exercise achieve their
desired results as people place themselves in impossible
situations by setting unachievable goals. By setting
attainable goals you give yourself something to work towards
and a reason to exercise. Unrealistic goals only lead to
disappointment, so focus on what is achievable.

It is important to keep a record of your progress by
maintaining a physical activity diary, as small improvements
are difficult to notice.

Source: Amanda Coombe, personal fitness trainer at www.fitness4me.com