“I don’t exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor.” ~Joan Rivers Picking up diamonds is an excellent way to begin any workout routine, as long as you get to keep what you collect. If you do not own any diamonds, try scattering plastic beads and telling yourself they are real diamonds. Why not? You believe all those other lies you tell yourself about working out. The obstacles that cause you to have an under-active body are a figment of your own over-active imagination. Before you can break in that new piece of exercise equipment, you may have to bust a few myths.
All effective workouts are hard on your joints
It is true that some aerobic sports, such as running and tennis, are hard on the joints but low-impact exercises can deliver an effective cardiovascular workout. Choose a form of exercise that increases your heart rate without pounding your joints. Elliptical machines offer a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that offers variable intensity without imposing excessive force onto joints. Choose a machine that allows you to set speed and resistance to get the most out of your workout without killing your knees, such as a recumbent bike.
On the Go
You do not have to work out – your kids keep you running. This is only true if you play vigorously for a long time. A 155 lb. person burns only 186 calories in a half hour of vigorous play with a child. You could burn about 335 calories in that same half hour on an elliptical machine.
No Time
The average American watches television for 2.8 hours daily. Make it a habit to work out while watching your favorite television show to create more hours in a day. When anyone asks you how you spend your evenings, be honest about your exercise program but feel free to fib about watching television programs. Get the dumbbells or cans of soup out and get to stepping!
Gyms are only for muscle-bound health nuts
Actually, most gyms are filled with people who are a lot like you – a bit out of shape and a little intimidated by the complex exercise equipment. You will get over this notion once you are inside the gym and see people who are fatter, skinnier, bonier or more muscular than you will ever be. Be honest with yourself about your own capabilities. Start out on pieces of equipment you understand and feel comfortable using. Watch how other people workout but do not try to compete. Ask for guidance on machinery that is new to you. You don’t want to end up with a bad back that will no doubt sideline you in front of the tube.
Dieting Doesn’t Do It
Working out is not necessary for a physically fit body – dieting is enough. While proper nutrition is an important part of your general health, nature intended you to be a body in motion. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle may cut years from your life. A recent publication suggests that Americans can live two years longer if they sit fewer than three hours each day. Push aside all the lies you tell yourself about exercise and jump right in to vigorous physical activity each day. Remind yourself that most of your excuses are just that – excuses. If you cannot bust the myths that keep you from working out, try scattering diamonds on the floor.