How can I say such a thing? I say this because I know it is true. My life has taught me. In 1991 I was in the final negotiations for the opening of my fitness studio called "Work It Out, Inc." On my way to a meeting, I was in a car accident where I suffered a head injury. The medication they gave me to control the resulting epileptic seizures made me sleep twenty to twenty-two hours a day! (I have come to think of this as my larval phase.) I was only awake a few hours each day and I was coping with a major medical problem. I really got a chance to experience the reasons that get in the way of starting or continuing a fitness program.

Reason #1: "I have no time."

In the few hours I was awake, I did my workout first. After that, I talked and laughed with my kids while we did household tasks and ate dinner together. Then I took my medication and slept. My training as a psychotherapist and personal fitness trainer told me I really needed to take care of myself if I was going to recover. I was at risk for depression, muscle atrophy, and spinal problems. The only way I could be sure to fit my workout into my day was to do it first thing. (When I think about my clients, the ones who workout early in the day are twice as likely to maintain their fitness program than those who plan to workout at the end of a long stressful day.) Later on when I was feeling well enough, I found that making the commitment to attend a class, preferably with a friend, also helped me to fit the workout into my day. Because my friend was expecting me, I was more likely show up. It was like an appointment. I worked my schedule around my workout class.

Fitness Recommendations

Workout early in the day, before life's complications and exhaustion make it difficult.
Workout with a friend if possible. Even if you workout at home with a video, make room for two in front of your TV. You may be tempted to cancel a workout for yourself, but you will be less likely to cancel on a friend.
Join a fitness class, especially if you need to put your workout late in the day. Your workout becomes an appointment just as important as any other commitment. Plan your schedule around your fitness, don't just hope to fit it in.

Reason #2: "It has been so long since I exercised. I'm so out of shape, I would not know where to begin."

After my accident, I lost my muscle tone and stamina. I decided to start a walking program right in my neighborhood. When I walked just to the top of my inclined driveway, I was exhausted! I had to go back to some basic principles of fitness in order to progress from completely sedentary to fit.

Fitness Recommendations

Select a workout environment that promotes self-awareness and self-regulation of your workout. Find an environment where you are taught to pay attention to how your body responds to the exercises. You need information on how to modify the moves for your fitness level. You need to be appreciated for pacing yourself. When you select a place to workout, make sure you get encouragement to do your best and information on how to tune in and pace yourself.
Always include a warm-up in your routine. During your warm-up work at whatever level of intensity is mild for you. Tune into how you feel when you move and start out moving at a pace that is comfortable to you. Do not let anyone or anything intimidate you into pushing harder than you should, especially in your warm-up. All those capillaries in your extremities need time to dilate so they can carry oxygen to the muscles during your aerobics. If you skimp on your warm-up you will feel exhausted at the beginning of your workout because of oxygen deprivation to your muscles. Most people who are just getting into shape get more sore muscles than necessary because the warm-up they do is too intense for their present condition!

Reason #3: "I have no energy. My work, the house, my family, and other obligations take all my energy."

When I was on the anti-seizure medications, I had no energy at all. This experience gave me great empathy for my counseling and fitness clients who felt overwhelmed and tired. I was glad for the empathy and understanding, but I still needed more energy to live my life and get well. That is when my logical mind took over. If I have low energy, will I get more energy by being lethargic? I don't think so. If I'm feeling overwhelmed, will I feel better by just sitting around worrying? No. I decided to begin a walking program even though I had little energy. That was one small thing I could do each day that would increase my energy and help me feel in control of something. It worked. I walked for only a few minutes at first. I was persistent. In a few months I was walking a mile. That was enough to release endorphins and other neurotransmitters that brightened my mood. My physical energy increased. I still was only awake a few hours, but I was more hopeful and energetic when I was awake.

Fitness Recommendation:

Exercising regularly, at the proper intensity for your fitness level, gives you more energy for your work, your house, your family, and your other obligations!

I used these very same fitness recommendations in my own life when I was rehabilitating. Getting fit was like a lifeline. My workout was one of the few things I could control. I would not be the victim of my accident. I was the person in charge of my rehabilitation. I started thinking of a way to get back to work. I could work with my psychotherapy clients by phone and I could work with my fitness clients using video! If I had a seizure, I could hang up the phone or turn off the camera and come back later.

I believe that anyone of any fitness level at any size can become more fit. I have seen it happen in my life and in my clients' lives. Over the last eighteen years I have seen clients overcome many obstacles to fitness and happiness. My clients and my own rehabilitation have given me hope. Hope is contagious!

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Plus-Size Fitness Excerpt from Don't Weight

Three Reasons It Is Tough to Exercise

Reason #1: "I have no time."

Fitness Recommendations

Reason #2: "It has been so long since I exercised. I'm so out of shape, I would not know where to begin."

Fitness Recommendations

Reason #3: "I have no energy. My work, the house, my family, and other obligations take all my energy."

Fitness Recommendation:

Lifestyle Watchers™

Health Coaching

Plus Size Fitness

Healthy Eating

Philly Area Services

Sign up for Kelly's Healthy Living eNewsletter

About

Lifestyle Coaching

Plus Size Fitness

Healthy Eating

Success Stories

eNewsletter

Kelly’s Choice Shopping

In the News

Health Focus

Contact Me

Public Speaking

Become an Affiliate

Wholesale

Plus-Size Fitness Excerpt from Don't Weight

Three Reasons It Is Tough to Exercise

Reason #1: "I have no time."

Fitness Recommendations

Reason #2: "It has been so long since I exercised. I'm so out of shape, I would not know where to begin."

Fitness Recommendations

Reason #3: "I have no energy. My work, the house, my family, and other obligations take all my energy."

Fitness Recommendation:

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Kelly's Healthy Living eNewsletter