Let's Get up and Move...

     Good afternoon...  I have presented a CARDIO CHALLENGE to you, but I did that assuming you were already in the "exercise mode".  So, let me backtrack just a little.  I know that many of us have challenges when it comes to getting up and exercising.  Let's see...  When I hit your reason for not attempting to exercise regularly, throw your hands up in the air.  "I don't have time.  I don't have any energy after I worked all day.  I don't have the right outfit to workout.  I can't afford the gym membership.  Exercising is boring.  I have a bad knee (or whatever), so I can't evercise.  I don't have anyone to watch my kids."  Don't do it to yourself.  None of those reasons is a medical disease with a diagnosis of sit on your "rusty-dusty" and do nothing.  They are all excuses that we have probably used at some point in time.  But, how can we start on the road to healthy, if we do not even TRY???  So let's just look at some of the reasons and work on what we can actually fix. 

     First, and foremost, set a goal for yourself.  Why do you really need to exercise?  Is it for health reasons?  Are you trying to get that blood pressure down, that blood sugar down, that cholesterol level back to normal?  Do you need to lose some weight?   Would you like to fit in that special outfit, that wedding dress, those old jeans you used to wear?   
     Second, PLAN and MAKE a commitment.  If you are like me and have a schedule that is NEVER consistent, without a plan, you are screwed from the start.   Plot a plan for a friend or family member to watch your children.   I also know stuff happens, unexpected things arise, but without a commitment to yourself and a plan of action, you will ALWAYS let something be more important than getting the exercise you need for you done.  Just like you go to work 5 days a week, and nothing stops you other than a major crisis, do the same for your exercise routine.  If 3 days a week is your plan, DO IT...
      Thirdly, keep track of what you are doing.  That way you can look back and see where you can improve and even better, you can look back and smile at the progress that you have made.  Keep an exercise diary noting the days you exercised, how long you exercised and what the exercise was. 
     Stop with the ALL or NOTHING mentality.  If you have to get your exercise during your lunch or break by taking a short brisk walk, do it.  If you have to do a short 10 minute session of exercise before you go to work and then only have 20 minutes after work again.  Do it.  You do not have to get 2 hours of exercise done in one session.   
     Now, I am well aware that some gym memberships are expensive, but I do know that Planet Fitness (www.planetfitness.com) has a $10/month plan.  That's an option!  Consider buying a set of exercise bands or check out an exercise video and get your workouts in at home.  Whatever, don't allow yourself to get bored.  Vary your exercise routines and the people you workout with.  Try something new... 
     One of the most important things that non-exercising folks forget to do is check with their physician prior to starting an exercise routine.  The reason is to insure that your body is ready to get started.   If you have any physical issues that may hinder your working out,  your physician can recommend the types of exercises that would be best for you.

     So, for all my Family that's out there, trying to find a reason NOT to exercise, let that thought go and LET'S GO...Get up and Moving...  Smooches