When it comes to getting fit, we know you know what you need to do (hint: be more active and eat less/better). But the hard part is actually doing it! From cold mornings, to just not having the time, here are some of top excuses, as well as excuse-busters, people use to keep them from their fitness goals.Excuse: “I have zero time to exercise!”
Excuse Buster: Just about everybody has a crazy life. But good-for-you habits are the last thing that should be cut out of your life. Even if it needs to be broken up into basic intervals throughout the day (such a a walk to work, a walk during lunch and a walk to or from your car/bus/train), just about any consistent fitness activity can help you keep your goals.

Excuse: “I can’t afford a gym or fresh produce.”
Excuse Buster: Commit to a small investment in 10 fitness DVDs and you’ll have enough variety for at least six months. Also, you can do a whole workout, including sit-ups, jumping jacks and squats, without any equipment at all. As far as groceries, try to bargain shop for the best deals on fresh fruits and vegetables and meats. Join grocery store discount programs for added savings. Just imagine the cost of taking diabetes medication for the rest of your life – it’ll cost much more than the money you’ll spend on staying healthy.

Excuse: “The cookies in my cabinet are calling me!”
Excuse Buster: Protect yourself from inevitable temptation by not keeping junk in the house. Try to stock up on healthier snack options instead. Also remember, the occasional indulgence is not only okay, it’s necessary.

Excuse: “I can’t get up early to work out, and I’m tired at night.”
Excuse Buster: Have a great reason for working out. That way, when the alarm goes off, you can ask yourself, “Will going back to sleep help me reach my goal?” If the workout isn’t attached to a larger goal, like looking better in your clothes or having more confidence, it won’t stick.

Excuse: “I’ve hit a plateau; I give up.”
Excuse Buster: Get selfish! Achieve what you want by believing that the new, improved you is your destiny, is what you need and is what you deserve. There’s no reason you can’t have it all!

Excuse: “I start off Monday with the best intentions, and then life takes over and I flake on my workouts.”
Excuse Buster: Set a daily or weekly target and reward yourself every time you meet it. Get a manicure/pedicure or buy a new workout outfit.

Excuse: “I get so bored counting all those weight reps or running.”
Excuse Buster: As you exercise, just think about what you’re trying to achieve. Having intention behind your actions is extremely powerful. And don’t forget the music! Never, ever, underestimate the power of some great beats to keep your energy nice and high. Lastly, always try to add a little variety to your workout to keep things interesting – and remember that you don’t have to kill yourself to get fit. If you don’t like to run, either don’t run, or don’t run for a long time. Instead, do more of what you actually like to do.

Excuse: “But the couch is so comfy!”
Excuse Buster: If you need a couple days off, take them. The key to fitness is consistency, so you don’t want to get bitter or burn out.

Remember: African Americans are much more susceptible to many preventable ailments and conditions, and one of the best tools we have to keep us healthy is adopting a healthier lifestyle, including exercise and better eating habits. Also, not working out consistently equals having less energy to be that supportive person in your loved ones’ lives. If your life is really busy, ask for help, so you can better take care of you and keep doing all the things you have to do.

By Whitney Greer, BDO Editor

Tags: why women don't workout