1."I don't have the time"/"I'm too busy." Start with a reality check and then prioritize. You do have time. You are the captain of your ship, the driver of the bus. You make your schedule and can find the time to devote 45 minutes to one hour to you. Go to bed one hour earlier and eat the frog by waking up one hour earlier. Do something you've always wanted to do, like ballet, or start rowing crew. You don't have to set foot in a gym! Need some help meeting your goals? I highly recommend purchasing a Nike Fuel Band.
2."I don't have the money." It doesn't cost a thing to move your body. You can get moving outdoors for free, join a running club, stop in at your local Lululemon or Athleta store and experience your city's best fitness scene at a discounted rate or even for free. You don't have to join a gym or take a fitness class that is out of your budget. You can even work out at home and stream workouts online at a very low cost. I've seen some as low as $5 a month!
3."I'm afraid people are watching and judging me." There is a saying that I practice at all of my Lithe Method studios, and I'm pretty sure that it's standard across the fitness world: Everyone is in survival mode. Nobody is watching you. Don't feel self-conscious. Everyone is here for the same thing -- to improve their bodies, get in shape and make themselves feel and look better. Use your workout time to really focus on yourself, not worrying about if someone is watching or judging you. Trust me, they aren't.
4."I'm too tired, old or fat." Don't let your age or size hold you back. Never say, "I can't take that class, or run that race, or lift weights because I'm 40, 50, or 60." Your body is capable of a lot more than you give it credit for. Your best shape may be the one that is still ahead of you. Get excited about that! I am so much stronger than I was 10 years ago and I feel great, too. It is never too late to get back in shape -- no matter your age, size or workout history.
5."I hear that jumping, stretching, 'Lithing,' is bad for me and I'll become injured." Always know your fitness level and your limitations, but definitely get moving! Being active is the key to preventing injuries. We all know that exercise builds muscle, but studies have also shown that weight-bearing exercise in particular -- workouts like lifting weights, jumping, workouts at Lithe Method, or any activity that tugs a bit on the bone tissue -- helps strengthen your bones (even if you already have osteoporosis or low bone density). So next time you feel like breaking out into a run or busting a move (or even a toe touch), do it and modify if you need to. Staying still is much more dangerous to your health than getting moving!
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