Your health: Instead of skipping the workout

No matter how many reasons health experts give us to workout on a daily basis, I can think of more not to do it. It's too early, too late, too far away, too boring. I am too busy, too far, too tired, too relaxed. I could write paragraphs of all the reasons I have told myself that today, it is OK to skip the workout. Today's list is meant to help me, and hopefully you, overcome excuse giving and get moving.

1. Find a new way to exercise
I like routine in exercise most of the time. I listen to the same music and stick to the same machines at the gym. No wonder I am bored. Experts suggest changing your workout frequently. You are less likely to get bored and you will challenge your muscles. ideas for exercise 
2. Get a buddy
You need an accountability partner to help motivate you on days you want to sit this one out. It is more difficult to skip a workout if you know someone is waiting on you to get started. When I work out with my daughters or my husband, I work longer than when I am alone since I don't want to be the one to call it quits.
3. List reasons to get in shape
My husband joined an online weight loss site called Calorie King. One of the first projects he was asked to do was to list reasons why he wanted to lose weight and get in shape. He regularly looks at this list and uses it to keep himself on the right track. Calorie King 
4. Attend a class
Group workouts create peer pressure. They often include an instructor to offer help and expertise. I found one study that said people burn more calories in a group setting than doing cardio on their own. Check out your local community center or health club because options for these classes are many. After looking at this one, I am ready to try Zumba. (I'll let you know how it goes).
5. Subscribe to a health magazine or website
I have read Prevention magazine off and on for years. Each time, I get some tips on eating and exercise that help me stay motivated. My health club also publishes an excellent monthly magazine. Having something come monthly serves as a good reminder and keeps me on top of current trends.
6. Get outside
As I write this, it is 103 degrees outside. Walking at the park seems impossible. I could swim though. Find an activity that takes you out to the nature around you. Best of all, this one is free!
7. Wear a pedometer
Several years ago I set a crazy goal to walk 1,000 miles in a year. It wasn't as difficult as I thought. Wearing a pedometer daily made me more aware of how sedentary I was. I liked the Omeron when I was shopping. The quality varies on these so do some research and find a reliable one.  
8. Park far away from the door
If your day is too long or out of your control to schedule specific workout time, you can improvise. Make small decisions throughout your day to increase your activity level. I laugh at how people at my fitness club park right next to the door even waiting for an open space. Take the stairs. Do a push up against your desk. Take the dog for a ten minute walk. It all counts.
9. Schedule time
You know you have your commute every day. You know how long you need to get dressed in the morning. Make your workout just as scheduled as brushing your teeth and watching your favorite show on television. I stop at the gym on my way home from work. My kids know if I walk in the door and am not sweaty, I whimped out. Just knowing that makes me stop most days.
10. Work towards a larger goal
It's easy to forget why you need that 30 minutes of weight lifting after a long day with the kids. Remembering that your time working out benefits you and your family in so many ways. Besides weight loss, you lower your risk of heart disease, are less likely to have some forms of cancer, decrease likelihood of depression, and avoid having the sagging wings on your arms.  read more on health benefits of exercise