Excuses, Excuses...

Everyone knows that exercise is as important as well-balanced nutrition in staying fit and healthy. But far too many Americans have a litany of excuses for failing to get off their butts and start moving. Now, a group of health and fitness experts have helped WebMD debunk several of your most common exercise-avoidance excuses. Excuse: I don't have time. Debunked: Use TiVo or a DVR to record your favorite TV shows and skip the commercials when you watch later. That can save 20 minutes every hour. Use resistance bands or walk in place while watching TV. You also can try exercising during your lunch or coffee breaks at work and the old stand-by of using stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. Excuse: I'm too tired. Debunked: If you're wiped out at the end of the day, exercise in the morning. If you're not a morning person, fit in a workout at lunch or in the evening. And the good news is that exercise actually gives you more energy by boosting blood flow and releasing feel-good endorphins, making you less tired in the long run. Excuse: I don't get a break from the kids. Debunked: Walk the kids to school instead of driving them, and use downtime at sports games or practices to walk around the field or court. Better yet, set aside family time for something active -- like biking, hiking, or a trip to the playground -- instead of watching a DVD or playing a video game. Or if you do play a video game, choose something like Wii Fit or Wii Sports that includes physical activity. Excuse: Exercise is boring. Debunked: Shake things up and vary your routine. Also be sure to find an activity you love, even if it's outside the usual "exercise box," like ballroom dancing, gardening, or roller skating. And if working out alone isn't for you, join a sports league or exercise class. Excuse: I just don't like exercising. Debunked: The key is to find out why you don't like it. Don't like sweating? Work out at home, walk in an air-conditioned mall, or try something like swimming where perspiration can't be seen. Your joints hurt? Try low-impact water aerobics or swimming. Feel uncomfortable exercising in public? Start with an exercise video at home, or take an evening walk through the neighborhood when most families are indoors eating dinner. Excuse: I'll only end up quitting. Debunked: Make yourself feel more successful by setting smaller, more attainable goals. Also, start off slowly and gradually increase your exercise as you get fit so that you don't feel overwhelmed at the beginning. And seek support from family and friends, even by just posting about your workout achievements and goals on MySpace or Facebook, where you can get messages of encouragement.