Fitness Friday

FORT MYERS, Fla.- It’s Friday, and WINK News Fitness Expert Mike Drumm joins Jen Stacy to talk about common excuses people use for not following their workout regimens after the new year. Here are some tips for keeping up with your workout throughout the year.

You’re Short on Time (Work or Family Commitments.)

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to cast aside physical activity.  But with exercise’s many health benefits, among them stress relief, you really can’t afford not to exercise, even if you’re busy. When you “don’t have time,” the best strategy is to build shorter but more frequent periods of physical activity into your day, even 10 minutes two to three times a day is great.

-Schedule your time to be physically active as if it was any other important appointment.

-Try getting up 20 to 30 minutes earlier. Even if you exercise later in the day, you have more time.

You’re Short on Money

You don’t need to join a gym, take classes, or buy exercise DVDs to improve your fitness. It’s true those items can make it easier to exercise, but with a little bit of creativity and planning, you have everything you need free!

-Use your body as its own resistance. Do push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, etc. at home.

-Enjoy the fresh and free outdoors: walk, run, play tag, kick a soccer ball around.

You’re Stuck Inside

Not everyone enjoys going outside to exercise when it’s cold and rainy. But there’s plenty to do inside!

-Take an exercise class at the gym.

-Use the stairs in your house; you only need one or two to use repeatedly to get your heart rate up.

You Feel Self-Conscious and Intimidated

Maybe you are unfamiliar with the equipment, worried you won’t be able to keep up in an exercise class, or you’re put off by the fitness levels of gym-goers. Try not to be hard on yourself! And remember your health and fitness does not depend on anyone else, so don’t worry about anyone else.  Choose activities where you feel comfortable enough to get moving. And as you improve your health, you will feel more confident than ever.

– If you’re self-conscious, try avoiding the crowds when exercising. If you belong to a gym, go during off-peak hours. Or avoid gyms altogether and be active in your own home or blend into the great outdoors.

-Consider getting a personal trainer to help you. Even 1 session can help you be more self-sufficient.

You’re Bored with the Same old Activities

It happens to all of us. Boredom can rear its ugly head. But don’t let it derail you on your path to a more active lifestyle! If you keep things interesting, you will keep being physically active and improve your fitness.

-Be social. Get a family member or a friend to join you in your efforts to be physically active. The conversation will be a positive reward that makes you want to keep it up.

-Choose activities you enjoy. If you don’t like to run, then don’t do it! Pick something else you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, bowling, gardening, etc. Don’t be afraid to vary from your usual routine.

You’re Tired and Lack Energy

It’s not uncommon to be tired at the end of the busy day. And most of our days are busy!  But ironically, if you find time for physical activity on a regular basis, your energy level improves after you adjust to the new routine!

-Fit in physical activity in the morning, before the day tires you out. Or use your lunch break!

-Adjust the intensity and simply walk more slowly if you feel you can’t muster enough energy for your usual pace. Once you get going, you may surprise yourself and pick up the pace.

-Prepare in advance. Get your comfortable clothes and a filled water bottle ready the night before.