January 9 : The top ten excuses for not exercising
 Regular exercise is beneficial to our health and is one of the keys to longevity. It makes our hearts and muscles strong, relieves stress and helps keep our weight in check. But many of us hastily invent reasons to avoid exercise. Here are the ten most common excuses for not exercising along with ten easy steps to combat them.
- Don't have time
Not having enough time is probably the most popular excuse people use to rationalize their lack of exercise. The best way to ensure you have enough time in your day for exercise is to make it a top priority.
- Lack motivation
If you find it difficult to exercise by yourself, there's strength in numbers. Whether it's with one other person, a group of friends or in a formal exercise class, you are more likely to find the motivation you need to stick with your exercise.
- Don't have enough stamina
If you can only walk or jog for 15 minutes, start with that and gradually work on increasing your stamina. After a while, you'll be able to exercise for longer periods of time.
- Procrastination
Make exercise a group affair. Exercise with a co-worker or friend and make it a point to work out when they do.
- In desperate need of relaxation
After a long day at the office, all you want to do is put your feet up and watch a little TV. You can still enjoy your favourite TV program, but instead of remaining sedentary, move a stationary bike or treadmill in front of the TV and get moving at the same time.
- Can't find a routine
Choose a time of day to exercise when you know you'll be free and after a while, it will become routine. Many people find it easier to exercise more regularly when they always do it at the same time each day.
- Drive everywhere
If the weather is good and you live within a reasonable distance of work, leave the car at home a couple of days a week and walk or ride your bike instead.
- Work long hours
A good way to get some exercise at the office is to take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you work on a particularly high floor, walk up as many flights as you can, then take the elevator the rest of the way. You'll be able to increase your fitness level by gradually increasing the amount of flights you walk up. Try the same technique in the mall or subway and use the stairs instead of the escalator.
- Want to spend time with your family
Make exercise a family affair. Instead of surfing the Internet or watching DVDs, get your partner and kids to walk, jog or hike with you. Including the entire family in your workout program allows everyone to reap the health benefits.
- Hate exercising
If the thought of walking, jogging or cycling makes you cringe, then why not try something different like aqua aerobics, kickboxing, yoga, or Tai Chi? The key to sticking to an exercise routine is finding something you enjoy.
For more information about exercise, visit HealthyOntario.com
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