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Are you the type who simply lazes around though you are aware of the importance of regular exercise, the type who is ready with excuses as to why you don’t exercise, and who just can’t get going even when all your friends are fighting fit running on the treadmill or going to the gym every day? Does all this ring a bell? Seriously, it is difficult to defend oneself when we know we should be paying more attention to our general health and well-being. Faced with a similar situation, I just did a bit of self-evaluation, and believe me when I tell you that it really opened my eyes. I have actually stirred myself to at least find out what are the options available for me and expect to take a decision on what kind of exercise I should undertake that I would not leave midway. I share my thought process with you. And remember, this is just meant to help, not criticise you guys! Please also remember to be absolutely honest about your answers – it will not serve the purpose if you don’t answer the questions truthfully!

Answer in the following manner:

1. Very likely
2. Somewhat likely
3. Somewhat unlikely
4. Very unlikely

Ready? Here are some of the most common excuses given by people (like me) who can’t get themselves to allot time for exercising.

• I am very busy just now. Where will I fit in any physical activity?
• The time I spend with my family is already restricted. They may not like it if I go away to exercise.
• I am so tired at the end of the day. I just can’t see myself doing any physical activity.
• Well, I have considered starting at some point… but…
• Maybe as I grow older, exercise will be too risky (this if you belong to the older category)
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• I have never been a sports person. Maybe that explains my lack of interest in exercise.
• There is no place for walking/jogging/swimming any where near my place.
• I have too much to do at home. Where is the time for more physical activity?
• God! I am already overweight. How can I even think of exercising with others? For all you know, they may be slim and fit and I would be a laughing stock! Too embarrassing!
• As it is I hardly sleep. I cannot get up early in the morning nor can I stay up to exercise.
• I have actually heard of people getting hurt due to over-exercise or wrong methods. Scary!
• A new activity at my age! You must be kidding!
• Gyms and exercise classes are way too expensive!
• I love going out with friends and I don’t want to impinge on that time.
• Weekends when I am comparatively free, I need to catch up on my rest. I am too busy the whole week!
• What if I get a heart attack when I am on the treadmill? After all, I have never exercised before and it might trigger off something!
• I just don’t enjoy any kind of physical activity.
• Maybe… just maybe…if there was some kind of provision to exercise while at work… I might have done something!

PHEW!!! That is a pretty long list! Find some familiar excuses here?
Answer honestly. You will find that your excuses come under the following categories:

• Lack of time
• Social influence
• Lack of energy
• Lack of will power
• Fear of injury
• Lack of skill
• Lack of resources

Now that you have identified your problem, ask yourself if you have been truthful. If you have been merely cooking up excuses, maybe it is time you take things in hand and pay more attention to the need for exercise in order to lead a trouble-free life. Where is that nearest gym?