FitSugar

Favorite Excuse For Not Doing Yoga: I'm NOT Flexible

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:45:00 -0700

When people find out that I teach Pilates and yoga, they often immediately disclose the reasons they don't practice either exercise form. I hear this excuse most often, "I could never do yoga, I'm so inflexible. I can't even touch my toes."

This is not the first time I've heard this excuse, and I actually love that people confess this to me. It gives me a chance to explain that inflexibility is not an excuse, but rather a reason to do yoga.

Most people aren't naturally flexible, but doing yoga can increase your flexibility almost immediately. Even after just a few classes, you will begin to notice a change in your body. You just have to get over that mental block that tells you you can't do it, and you just have to try.

If you can commit to a couple of classes every week, I guarantee that your muscles will become longer and suppler. That's what is so great about yoga. Our bodies were made to move, and your muscles crave it. Not only does yoga relax your mind and reduce stress, but the increased flexibility you'll feel can alleviate chronic pain and prevent injury.

So go ahead and take a yoga class. It's like with any new thing you try, whether it be playing an instrument or running a marathon. That amazing sense of pride and accomplishment you feel can only come when you witness yourself improving. No one is instantly great in the beginning, but as you practice, you'll get better and better.

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Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: I Can't Keep Up in Class

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:30:00 -0700

A lot of us have our favorite excuses for not working out, but if yours is: "I can't keep up in a class," then here are some tips for overcoming that issue:

Start with a beginner's class and work your way up.
Remember that everyone has to start somewhere and chances are that everyone in the class started out just like you, not having a clue what to do.
The teacher is there to help you and in most cases they will not scold you or make you leave the room if you are messing up. Boot camp instructors may be a bit more harsh, but that is just the nature of the class and is not something you should take personally.
Chances are the instructor will realize you are new and assist you when you need it and go easier on you than those that have been in the class every single day for the past two months. If it eases your worries, get there early and tell the instructor that you're new, but you're going to do your best to keep up.
There is nothing wrong with taking a breather every once in a while to catch your breath or just so you can get back on track.
Go with a friend who has also never done the class before, then you can fumble and laugh together.
Make a buddy at the class, someone who knows the drill. Chances are they will guide you when you need a little extra assistance.
Get a spot in front. I know the very last thing you want is to draw attention to yourself but being able to hear and see the instructor is an important key to learning the moves.

Have your own suggestions for keeping up with an exercise class? Then share them in the comments section below.

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Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: I Don't Have Space

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:30:00 -0700

One excuse I hear all the time coming from people who don't workout is that they just "Don't have the space to do it."

I lived in a small apartment in NYC for years and while I feel your pain, there are other ways to get active than just plunking a big ole' treadmill in your house. So here are some options:

While your apartment (or house) may be small, the great outdoors is not. Go outside and start walking, running, etc.
Maybe you don't have space for a treadmill, but you most likely have a TV and a DVD player to play fitness videos on. I've reviewed a bunch of great workout DVDs that you may want to try for yourself. Believe it or not the Rock Your Body with Jamie King DVD requires very little space to do.
Still not enough space to workout along to a video where your TV is? Recruit a friend, who happens to have a decent size space, to do the DVD with you at her house. You may even find out she's been wanting to start working out too!
Exercise bands take up no space and are great for resistance training. I love to travel with exercise bands because I can toss them in my suitcase on top of all my clothes -- Apply this concept to your home as well.
Learn to love one (or all) of these things: Jump ropes, hula hoop and inline skates. They're all easy to tuck under a bed or in a closet and they're all great workouts.
Now you see 'em, now you don't. Get a pair of Aquabells - water inflatable and collapsible dumbbells. When you're not using them, deflate them (let the water out) and store them away.

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Favorite excuse for not working out: I JUST DON'T HAVE THE TIME

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 16:30:00 -0800

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!

No More Excuses

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:45:00 -0800

Since I showed you an ad campaign that I was not really fond of, I wanted to now show you one that I really enjoyed from Nike.

I literally laughed out loud when he said, "I feel bloated," as I have definitely used this one around that time of the month. I love this commercial for so many reasons but mainly because it reiterates how excuses are just that, excuses.

Since we've all used them, be sure to check out all my favorite excuses for not working out so you can stop making excuses and start moving.

Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: My Baby

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:00:00 -0700

The transition to becoming a mom can really take a toll on your body, but you can bounce back and become a strong mom. Does your favorite excuse for NOT exercising involve being the parent of small children? Well here are some tips get you up and moving.

There are as many roadblocks to fitness as there are benefits to gain from fitness. So figuring out how to motivate yourself past your favorite excuse is beyond beneficial. So if your excuse is, "I'm too busy with my kids to workout," it is time to change your tune. I used that excuse for a while, but I soon realized if I wasn't "modeling" good health habits for my kids they would have no idea of the value of exercise. I didn't want to fall into the, "Do as I say not as I do" version of parenting.

Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking about how to fit in some exercise while hanging with your baby.

When you have a newborn

You can do tummy time with your baby. Get down on the floor and get active while your baby fusses over learning this new position.
Pack that baby up and go for a stroll since the fresh air is good for you and the baby.

Want to see what you should do when your baby starts moving? Then read more

When the baby starts crawling

Get down on all fours and explore with your child. You will work your arms and your legs as well as learn the value of sweeping the floor from first hand experience.
Carrying your child around like all the Hollywood mommas will definitely get your arms strong and toned. You know...babies can double as weights. Just make sure to alternate arms and keep your tummy pulled up and in to protect your back.

Toddler workout

Follow your new walker around and do what they do. Try to do it for 10 minutes. Granted his or her center of gravity is considerably lower so his or her up/down motions are easier. Toddlers also love, LOVE when you imitate them. It will be a nice bonding game as well as a strength training time for you.
The playground at any age even with tots can be quite a workout. Pushing the swing and the merry-go-round can work your arms and burn some calories. I like to add a squat between each push, as well as alternate arms.

So workout with your little ones and you will feel better when they start to work your patience.

Favorite Excuse For Not Working Out: I Hate the Gym

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 -0700

I hear this excuse all the time, "I just hate the gym." I can understand why some folks genuinely hate the gym and prefer to work out outdoors, but some folks just use hating the gym as an excuse to not exercise. If this sounds a bit like you then take a look at the positive with a few of my ways to learn to love the gym:

Pick a gym that is easily accessible. Nothing makes going to the gym harder than deadlock traffic. Plus, if it's easy to get to then you'll be less likely to use getting there as an excuse for not going.
Mother Nature doesn't matter. The gym offers an all-weather, year-round place to exercise. No more missing workouts because it's raining or snowing.
Listen during your tour of the gym and take them up on any freebies being offered. I hate not knowing where things are, too. Not only did I ask a lot of questions on my gym tour, I immediately signed up for my free personal training session and gained a wealth of information on the machines and how to use them, etc.

That's not all, so read more.

First day jitters go away. Your first day at the gym is like your first day at school, only way easier. The more you go, the more comfortable you feel.
There's plenty of variety. Any given gym has a large amount of weight and cardio machines, free weights, exercise balls, exercise classes, etc. All these things are at your dispense so appreciate the variety a gym has to offer and take advantage of it.
Day care. I love the great outdoors as much as the next girl, but the park where I like to run does not offer day care. My gym does.
It's a great place to meet people. I know this is not really why you are working out in the first place, but it's an added bonus. Whether you'd like an exercise buddy or a Friday night date, your gym could be the perfect place to find him or her.

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Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: I'll Hurt Myself

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:15:00 -0800

You want to start exercising harder, but you're worried about getting hurt, and being out of commission is not something you're willing to do. If you're excuse for not adding some exercise into your life is, "I'll hurt myself," then take a look at these great tips from the Mayo Clinic.

Take it slow. Start with a simple walking program. As you become more confident in your abilities, add new activities to your routine.
Try an exercise class for beginners. You'll learn the basics by starting from scratch.
Consider working one-on-one with a personal trainer. Get a customized fitness tutorial from a certified expert, who can monitor your movements and point you in the right direction.

Fit's Tip: If you're worried about reinjuring a recently healed injury, be sure to talk to your doctor and/or physical therapist to learn which exercise you should stay away from. Chances are there are still many exercises you can do that will not risk injury.

If this is not your excuse for not working out, then check out all my favorite excuses to see where you fit in.

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Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: I Have Little Kids

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 02:30:00 -0700

There are as many roadblocks to fitness as there are benefits to gain from fitness. So figuring out how to motivate yourself past your favorite excuse is beyond beneficial. So if your excuse is "I'm too busy with my kids to workout," it is time to change your tune. I used that excuse for a while, but I soon realized if I weren't "modeling" good health habits for my kids they would have no idea of the value of exercise. I didn't want to fall into the, "Do as I say not as I do" version of parenting.

Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking about how to fit in some exercise while hanging with your baby.

When you have a newborn

You can do tummy time with your baby. Get down on the floor and get active while your baby fusses over learning this new position.
Pack that baby up and go for a stroll since the fresh air is good for you and the baby.

Curious to what you can do once your baby starts crawling? Then read more

When the baby starts crawling

Get down on all fours and explore with your child. You will work your arms and your legs as well as learn the value of sweeping the floor from first hand experience.
I have already told you how carrying your child around like all the Hollywood mommas will definitely get your arms strong and toned. You know...babies can double as weights.

Toddler workout

Follow your new walker around and do what they do. Try to do it for 10 minutes. Granted his or her center of gravity is considerably lower so his or her up/down motions are easier. Toddlers also love, LOVE when you imitate them. It will be a nice bonding game as well as a strength training time for you.

The playground at any age even with tots can be quite a workout. Pushing the swing and the merry-go-round can work your arms and burn some calories. I like to add a squat between each push, as well as alternate arms.

So work out with your little ones and you will feel better when they start to work your patience.

Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: I'm Too Tired After Work

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:30:00 -0800

We all have our favorite excuses for not working out but if yours is, "I'm just too darn tired after work to go to the gym," then here are some tips for you:

Go straight to the gym after work. Stops at home or anywhere else (where people are not working out) may lessen your chances of making it to the gym.
If you workout at home then don't sit down. Whether it's working out with a video or hopping on your at home elliptical, get right to it.
Change before you leave. I know it sounds weird, but duck into the bathroom and change before leaving the office. This way you're armed and ready to go.
Strength in numbers. Convince a co-worker to do it with you, for whatever reason we are less inclined to let others down (while we have no problem letting ourselves down).
Get to work earlier (if possible) so you can leave earlier. This only works if your job is a bit flexible but leaving even 15 minutes earlier may motivate you because you'll be done sooner.
Eat a late afternoon snack with lean protein and complex carbs. Whole-grain crackers with cheese, for example, will give you a little boost of energy.
Get enough sleep. This one is pretty self explanatory.
Don't go every single day after work. This way going to the gym won't feel like a life sentence.
If all else fails, workout sometime other than after work. Maybe you're better suited to workout before work, or maybe you're a lunch workout warrior. You'll never know until you try.

Is this not your excuse? Check out my other tips on getting over excuses for not working out.