If you're having trouble sticking with an exercise routine, don't beat yourself up.
Half of the people who start an exercise program quit within the first 6 months. If you don't want to join them, here are some tips to help you get around the common stumbling blocks. These tips are from Health magazine:
- The biggest stumbling block is: You don't have time. But it doesn't take 45 minutes to make a workout count. In a recent study, people who exercised 10 minutes 4 times a day did more exercise and lost more weight than people doing one 40-minute session. Be honest - if you have time to watch "Joey," you have time to exercise.
- The next excuse is: Exercise is too hard. Don't think in terms of the number of crunches you have to do. Instead, focus on being active and doing something fun maybe tennis, hiking or yoga. Or even playing tag with your kids. It's exercise if it gets your muscles moving and boosts your heart rate--But having fun while you do it is an awesome bonus!
- Another stumbling block to a successful exercise program is: You're not seeing results. Remember, to lose a pound a week, you have to burn 500 more calories a day than you eat. So, write down every calorie you consume. If you're eating more than 15 times your body weight 18 times if you're a man - you're probably eating too much.
- And the final stumbling block that might be keeping you from exercising is: The call of the couch. You walk in the door, plop down on the sofa and never get up. So, break the habit by going to the gym straight from work. Or leave your walking shoes by the door. And stick notes on the TV, computer and the fridge saying "Work out first!" But whatever you do don't sit down! And even if you're really tired, vow to do half your normal workout. Chances are, you'll get a second wind and keep right on going.
