If you are like most humans, then you will come up with 1001 reasons why you can’t exercise:
there is always something that appears more attractive than performing an activity that may make
you break into a sweat but I doubt if there is a more effective medicine available.
Even the die-hard anti-exercise activist knows that, there is some benefit to physical activity or
exercise. One phrase may capture it all; “no matter your exercise excuse, there is an even more
compelling reason to exercise”.
In an era, where everyone appears to be complaining of being under stress even when we do not
understand the word, it may be refreshing to know that exercise or physical activity is an
excellent stress-buster. Exercise and laughter continue to tango for the number one spot in
relieving or preventing stress.
I definitely agree that there may be a handful of conditions that may require us to take a break
from actively exercising, but even then, in the right hands, there is something that may just be
right for us.
Just like you, I also think about these reasons not to exercise but they surely are not good
enough;
1. “I DON’T HAVE TIME TO EXERCISE”
You definitely are not alone. We all think we are extremely busy, but we do make time
for other things, don’t we? It’s all a matter of setting our priorities right. Fortunately for
us, we all have exactly 24 hours in a day, and we just have to make do with that. The
wise one above knows best and set it that way.
You probably spend hours talking on your cell phone. What about strolling in your room
while you chat?
The good news is that exercise gives you energy. It does not take it away, so you will be
able to do more in less time. Here’s a great tip: if you have trouble managing your time,
you may do well to start exercising – NOW!
2. “I AM TOO TIRED TO EXERCISE”
We often spread out on our sofa and proclaim to the world and anyone who cares to
listen, “I am so tired; I need to get some rest. This relaxation time is all I can squeeze into
my hectic day. One day when I get enough rest, I will start exercising”. Does that sound
like any of us?
The good news is this: research has shown that aerobic/cardiovascular exercise increases
energy and relieves fatigue. So next time you feel so tired it may be a great option to take
a brisk walk or hit the gym.
Exercising will definitely give us more energy so we can do more of the things we love –
that is good bait, isn’t it?
3.“I HATE EXERCISE”
Most of the time, we just hate what we think exercise has to be. The bottom line is that
you need to move a large group of muscles over a period of time, and also get your
precious heart to do some extra work. If you do not like the word ‘exercise’, let’s use
‘physical activity’ (exercise is actually a branch or subset of physical activity). That
probably makes you more comfortable. Physical activity includes gardening, household
chores, dancing, etc. The point here is that we should do more of what we enjoy, and that
will help to keep us on track. Put in some variety to prevent a rut.
Always make healthy choices such as using the stairs instead of the elevator; parking
your car further away from your destination; walking to the neighbourhood shop; moving
around while on the cell phone; walking to a work colleague’s desk instead of emailing
or using the phone; and the greatest of all – walking to the TV to use the controls instead
of the remote. So after all, exercising is not that bad!
4. “I AM TOO OLD TO EXERCISE”
No matter your age and physical condition, there is a form of exercise that is appropriate
for you. You only need to talk to your healthcare professional, and you will be on your
way to discovering the secrets of a healthy old age. Please note: starting to exercise at
mid-life lengthens your lifespan and even more importantly your health span.
5. “I AM IN TOO MUCH PAIN”
I can feel your pain too. Many of us have extremely painful body parts, such as the knees,
and we find it almost impossible to even walk. The sad part of the equation is that the
pain worsens when we avoid all forms of physical activity. Many people will experience
extreme pain when we start walking, but it improves over time. You could walk for as
little as 30 seconds, take a break and then continue. Some may be better off on a
recumbent bike, and others, in a swimming pool. If you do not know the cause of your
pain, talk to a healthcare professional, who, together with a fitness therapist, should be
able to work out a plan for you.
My dear readers who may be struggling with arthritis, this may be counter-intuitive but
you are much better off taking short walks than sitting in a chair or relaxing in bed for a
greater part of the day.
6. “I WILL GROW FAT WHEN I STOP”
Of course you will grow fat when you stop exercising consistently yet you make no
adjustment to your intake of food or drinks. That is the law of nature; once you put in the
same number of calories (energy) yet you burn less than when you were exercising, the
excess energy will be converted to fat and stored.
There are two issues to tackle here; the human body was made to move so you have no
business avoiding physical activity. You may quit using the gym but you need to take
part in other activities such as brisk walking, skipping etc. it is also extremely important
to know that exercising goes hand-in-hand with the appropriate nutrition. Once you learn
to eat properly, the chances of growing fat will reduce. You should not continue
indefinitely with an exercise programme without talking to a dietician who will teach you
to eat properly.
So whenever you dream up any other exercise excuse, remember there is definitely a
more compelling reason to exercise.
Now that you do not have any excuse to exercise, check out 10 BASIC TIPS TO JUMP-START YOUR FITNESS GOALS find below a basic aerobics workout to do at home.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND
REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood
pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials Ltd/ Mobissel
(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)
*Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness
nutrition and corrective exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The
Essentials of Health & Wealth.’
Thought for the week – “Exercise is definitely medicine and doctors need to prescribe it!!!”
I look forward to interacting with you at The La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Corporate Healthy
Lifestyle Programme on Saturday 24 th June 2023 at 5.30am.
Let’s walk, exercise in the pool & on land, network and share ideas that will keep us healthy.
