No excuses!

It’s all too easy to find excuses for not being more physical active, but when you see all the benefits you and your family can gain from being more active, you’ll see it’s worth making the effort.

I haven’t got time

Many of us have such busy lives, it’s hard to imagine where we could find time to fit in more physical activity. The answer here is to build the activity into the things we have to do anyway.

If you’ve got time to drive or get the bus somewhere locally, you’ve probably got time to walk there. Think about it – you can walk a mile in around 15–20 minutes and if you have a bike, cycling is even quicker.

You can also get a lot of extra physical activity by being a bit more energetic about all those boring things that just have to be done, like vacuuming and shopping. Encourage the kids to be more active when they’re playing, and try to limit the amount of time they spend watching TV or playing computer games.

I’m too tired

Being more active actually gives you more energy – it’s often our sedentary lifestyles that are responsible for leaving us slumped exhausted on the sofa at the end of the day. Physical activity also helps you sleep better so you should feel less tired in the long run. It can also help the kids concentrate more on their school work.

I haven’t got anyone to be active with

Aiming to increase the amount of activity you do is the perfect reason to join a class or a group and meet new people. There are bound to be classes or groups in your local community and if you sign up for something like an organised walk or cycle ride, you’ll automatically have company.

I’m not the sporty type

Physical activity isn’t the same as sport – you don’t have to go near a football pitch or aerobics class if you don’t want to. Walking is an ideal activity, as it doesn’t require any special equipment, just a comfortable pair of shoes – and it gets you out in the fresh air.

I’m too old to start being active now

You’re never too old to feel the benefits of physical activity. In fact, being active is an important factor in staying healthy and keeping your independence as you get older.

I have health problems

If you have a condition that restricts how active you can be then just be as active as your ability or condition allows. Physically activity is known to reduce pain in arthritis and will help conditions such as diabetes and heart disease as well as reducing symptoms of depression.

Remember to take things slowly and gradually build up the intensity as you feel comfortable. If you have any doubts speak to your GP who will be able to give you advice.

It’s too expensive to go to the gym

Being active doesn’t have to cost much. While gym fees can be expensive (although there are probably some good deals to be had out there) you don’t need to go to the gym. Physical activity can be done at home or outside walking the streets or in the park.

For those activities that require special equipment or clothing try borrowing these first or buying second-hand and if you really get into it you’ll probably not mind eventually spending the money on your own equipment.

The weather’s too bad

We all like to moan about the weather and yes, it does rain quite a bit but when you are outside enjoying yourself it’s often not as bad as it looks. They say there’s no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong equipment and there’s a lot of truth in this. Get yourself a good breathable rainproof jacket that will last you for years and a decent pair of comfortable walking shoes so you can get out there whatever the weather!

Family commitments stop me from being active

It’s a sad reality that for many people once they have children they have less time to be active. This needn’t be the case, however, especially once the children are a few years old. This is a great opportunity to be active as a family – the trick is to be organised and find activities and places to go that are fun for all the family.

Many people are busy caring for others and this may be preventing them from being active. It’s important to remember that you need to look after yourself as well and being active is a great way of doing this. Keeping yourself fit by getting enough physical activity will help you deal with stress and enable you to have the energy for all your caring duties.