excuses

A day at the gym wouldn't be a day at the gym without seeing at least one person holding on for dear life while running on the treadmill. I'll never completely understand how (or why) people do it, but eDiets has come up with a list of excuses people use for holding on and how to stop doing it:

• If you think: "I’ll fall off if I let go!"
  Then: SLOW DOWN.
• If you think: "My trainer says it’s OK." I once asked a trainer why he allowed his able-bodied client to hold on, despite three weeks of training. His response: "She’s scared."
  Then: Beware of trainers who fail to empower you.
• If you think: "I’ll lose my balance."
  Then: Slow down and stop using your arms as anchors. Balancing is part of exercise.
• If you think: "I’ve always done it this way."
  Then: It’s never too late to break a sabotaging habit.
• If you think: "My doctor told me to do it."
  Then: Shame on him or her for not telling you that holding on increases blood pressure and causes poor posture.
• If you think: "The machine keeps telling me to hold on for heart rate."
  Then: Select another program. Hold on for heart rate, but then let go after the number appears!
• If you think: "But I’m sweating!"
  Then: Many variables affect sweat: room ventilation, weight, body chemistry, even mental state.
• If you think: "I’m old!"
  Then: If ever there were a reason NOT to hold on, this is it!

So break the habit -- Slow the treadmill down and work on form WITHOUT holding on before over exerting yourself and risking injury.

Source

We seem to be turning into a big bag culture. Purse sizes are enormous. And have you seen the over stuffed backpacks on 6 year olds? So when it comes to carrying your work out clothes you are way overburdened. So you just won't carry another bag, so then you just can't work out. Well help is on the way. Lockers - just like gym class in middle school. Most gyms have permanent lockers that you can rent, for a small monthly fee. You can stash all your gear in the little locker as well as your post work out beauty supplies. So you don't have to lug all that stuff around.

Fit's take: The additional fee of the locker is minimal compared to the waste of a monthly gym fee for a gym you aren't using. So splurge and get a locker.

I've heard this one over and over again: When I work out I just get too bored!

I can fully understand why working out can get boring, so here are some ways to combat boredom:

• Take a new and fun class. Gyms are always coming up with new classes all of the time to keep members interested in working out.
• Try a new practice. If cardio and weight training don't do it for you, try pilates, yoga or even gyro. There are lots of options out there.
• Get someone to work out with you (a new friend, your best friend, your husband or even your mom) or start a work out group. Strength (no pun intended) in numbers definitely combats boredom.

If you want a few more ways to combat the boredom read more

We all have excuses as to why we don't work out. Is yours similar to this? I don't have time to workout.

My answer to that is simple; Yes you do. Here's how to fit it in:

• Friday night is date night. If your date night with your husband is like mine, it is necessary for the life of your marriage. So instead of the usual sappy movie and a large popcorn, try switching to something more active like bowling, miniature golf or dancing. Or make a daytime hiking date.
• Get up 30 minutes earlier one day a week to workout. Seriously, you can do one day a week. Once you have gotten used to that, add another day.
• Get active with your kids. When they are at swimming lessons, you can swim on the other end of the pool. When they are playing at the jungle gym, instead of sitting around like all of the other mothers, do some lunges, squats and pull ups while keeping an eye on them. Feel like you'll miss all the good gossip? Start a stroller walking group so you can walk and talk.
• Go to the gym during your lunch break. You may end up eating at your desk post-workout but you do that most of the time anyway and now at least you'll feel more energized in the end.
• Go to the gym with a plan of action. You can't waste time figuring out what to do next. Make a list and stick to it.
• Walk when possible. Start by parking in the back of the parking lot and walking. What's more? No door dings. After that, take 10 minutes out of your day to walk around (it could even release some stress).
• You can even work out while you're working using FIT's at your desk tips.

You can somehow always, even if it is small, get more active in your life. I'd love to hear your ideas -- tell me below!