10 Reasons to “Just Do It”

We all know that diet and exercise are what almost every American desperately needs. We hear it from our doctors, our TVs, and probably even our kids. Why, then, if we have the answers right in front of us, are we still falling into fads and crash diets that you and I both know don’t work, only to end up on the couch at the end of the day with our mitts digging deep in the bottom of a bag of potato chips? (The ones shouting “less sodium” in bright colors, of course.) It’s clear to everyone that excuses are a part of life – sure we all have good reasons why we had to have that fifth serving of flourless chocolate cake – but some excuses just can’t be tolerated any longer. So, if you find yourself using any of the following defenses justifying why you’re not taking care of yourself – the jig is up. It’s time to stop whining and dining and start facing reality.

Excuse 1: I have no time.

No one is asking you to train and run a triathlon. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to add up to hours spent at the gym. Even a half an hour, three days a week can fit into any schedule – so you can fit into your jeans.

Excuse 2: I have no motivation.

The hardest part is getting started, so once you get over your phobia of taking the stairs instead of the elevator, you’ll notice each step, literally, gets easier. Even including a few exercises in your daily routine (and excluding a few snacks along the way) will increase your energy and the results will increase your motivation. And Voila. The end of the vicious cycle.

Excuse 3: I don’t know proper techniques. I can injure myself.

They don’t call them dumbbells for nothing. While it should always be ensured that your workout will be beneficial and not harmful to your well-being, this is a sorry excuse. With the slew of magazines and websites devoted to this very subject, it’s not hard to learn the proper form of a jumping jack. Check out www.self.com for an easy (and free) guide to quick, safe, and effective workouts.

Excuse 4: It is too expensive to join the gym.

Yet those vanilla café mocha latte double espressos (with Splenda, please) never seem to make a dent in your wallet. It may not be cheap to join your neighborhood gym, but it might be something to consider if you’re sick of the sack that used to be your waist. Most gyms offer advice from experts and trainers to help you every step of the way. Plus, if you’re paying an arm and a leg for a membership, you better show up.

Excuse 5: I have no energy after work.

This one again? I’m too tired – Please refer to Excuse 2.

Excuse 6: I don’t have proper footwear.

You mean to tell me that during all that stiletto buying you didn’t come across a single pair of sneakers? Please. You can even go online and get a pair of custom-made sneakers, with your favorite colors and everything, just to make you feel special as you walk the walk on the treadmill.

Excuse 7: Because that really hot guy at the gym can’t possibly see you in spandex again until you’ve lost at least 10 pounds.

Give me a break.

Excuse 8: Then what would my New Year’s resolution be?

What are you waiting for? It’s never too early to start. Besides, if you make an unconditional oath to start taking better care of yourself now, just think of what you can resolve to not do when 2007 comes around; paint the garage, clean the attic, invite your in-laws over for dinner more often……

Excuse 9: I just ate an entire sleeve of Oreo cookies. And a half a pound of cheese doodles.

Okay. We can work with this one. It’s never too late. Actually, it might be if you don’t get up right now, walk out your door and keep walking until you’re wheezing so badly you’ll be very clear on why we don’t eat a sleeve of Oreos and a half a pound of cheese doodles.

Excuse 10: The weather.

Sure, every once and a while on those cold and rainy days, it’s just appropriate to stay in bed cuddled up with your favorite issue of O Magazine. This is not to be confused with staying home in bed with your favorite pasta dish because it’s drizzling outside. Just do it.

–Carolyn Iannone