Exercise and Motivation. How to Get Motivated to Exercise Regularly.

We all use them, the excuses why we can't exercise. Motivation is the key to exercising regularly but it's the excuses that get in the way.

"It's too hot"

"It's too cold"

"I'm too tired"

And oh so many more. We all use them and then usually find comfort in some type of food or just laze around the house watching TV or doing something just as useless.

Life is extremely busy and we all seem to find time to do things we HAVE to do but when it comes to looking after ourselves we just find excuses.

Well, this is all about to change as you read through my list of excuses and the answers to them. Enough is enough, it's time to get off your butt (fat or not) and listen to your body, it's screaming at you to do something of benefit - get healthy! Just do it.

My approach to exercise is that I feel better after I've done it and eventually I look better. That's my motivation. I like feeling better, I like looking better. And my heart (and back) thank me too.

Exercise is not a passion but I know it's necessary to being healthy so I exercise at least 4 times a week. Yoga, walking and swimming are my main three as I have two ruptured discs in my back so I have found these to be the best for my condition.

Try a variety of exercises before you settle on a routine. There are the old favourites such as jogging, gyms, swimming, yoga or try some of the newer types such as Zumba or Pilates.

Now to the excuses (feel free to add to the list in the comments section if you like) -

"I have too much to do"

Of course you do, we all do. 15 minutes per day is all you need to start a regular routine. Get up 15 minutes earlier.

"I have a headache"

Taking a walk will take your mind off your headache as you take in your lovely surroundings in your local area.

"Oh, I have to pick up the kids soon"

Ask a friend to do it. Tomorrow you pick up their kids.

"I have to finish this project, I'm on a deadline"

Prioritise your time, without your health the project won't get finished anyway.

"I hate exercising"

Many people do but once you start and begin to see the benefits, that hate word disappears (along with some weight). Why not try dancing?

"Gyms. I don't go near them"

Fortunately you are able to exercise in many other places - a pool, a park, your own home.

"I hate wearing runners"

Do yoga. You don't need shoes to do a yoga session. I think that goes for swimming too.

"I didn't have enough sleep"

This one is so lame. Exercise actually helps you to sleep better.

"I can't afford to exercise, the equipment is too expensive"

Walking is free and you don't have to buy the most expensive gear unless you have a need to look good in the latest gear.

"Exercise really bores me"

Just think how bored you'll be lying in hospital recovering from a heart attack!

"It's embarrassing when I can't keep up in a gym class"

Like you're the only one! No one is looking at you, they're too busy exercising and trying to keep up themselves.

"Exercising is such a chore"

It's only a chore if you choose to think it is. Mix it up a little and chill, have some fun.

"I wish I had someone to exercise with"

Ask someone. Look for an exercise buddy, it's a great way to keep each other motivated. Even better, get a dog. Dog's need walking and they are fantastic company, and, if they are like my dog Sassie, they will always be ready for a walk.

"I lack the motivation"

We all do at times. Ever heard the story of 'the little ant that could'? He had to climb a mountain and when he looked up it seemed impossible, but he decided to do it one step at a time. Exercising works when you do it 'one step at a time'.

"I just don't see results quick enough"

What's the rush? Don't set an impossible goal, it will happen, 'one step at a time'. If you expect to lose weight or see any changes to your body within the first few exercise routines, stop kidding yourself. Plan a routine and try your best to do it regularly, you will see a difference within a few months.

Authors Note: Motivation is a hard thing to keep going so I wrote this hub more for myself than anyone else. I've been so busy lately that exercise has been one of the things I put on the backburner, something I'm now paying for. My back is weak and frequently sore due to lack of exercise these past few months, so after my walk this morning I decided to write this and keep myself motivated. Who's with me?

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