by: Kirsten Hawkins

It's old news that exercising is the single best way to spark up
your weight loss efforts. The activity perks up your metabolism, and
eats up more calories. In addition, the more you exercise, the
better the effect. Exercising builds muscle mass, which is denser
and more compact than fat. That means your body has to expend more
effort to pump blood through it, and it requires more nutrients to
keep it healthy. The end result? Even at rest, your body naturally
burns more calories.

Unfortunately, the prospect of exercising tends to elicit groans
from most people. There's all the logistics to work out - the time,
equipment, expense and the sheer, utter boringness of it all.
Negative thinking about exercise can sabotage all your good
intentions. Here's a list of answers for some of the most commonly
used excuses not to exercise.

I don't have time to exercise!

Exercise could be one of the most important things you'll do for
your health today. MAKE time to exercise. If you're doing
traditional workouts - move those weights and mats right out into
the family room and make use of your television time. Instead of
flopping down in a chair while you watch the news or your favorite
show, be active. Run in place, do leg lifts or heft weights. Use
time in your car to tighten and tone muscles with isometric tummy
tighteners. Walk up the stairs instead of using the elevator.
Exercise doesn't have to be a solid hour at the gym. Anything that
revs up your motors is great for your body.

I don't have the right equipment at home.

You don't need equipment to exercise. A brisk walk around the block
is good for you - and burns over 200 calories. Vacuuming your
carpets can burn nearly as much. Flip on your radio or pop in your
favorite high-energy CD and dance. Don't fool yourself into thinking
that your 'exercise' has to be a carefully planned workout to work
all the right muscles in the right order with the right tension.
Exercise means being active. Just do it.

I can't afford a membership to the gym.

If you'd rather exercise at the gym (and have access to their
fitness machines, whirlpools, swimming pool and trainers), there are
a lot of ways to make it more affordable. Check with your health
insurance company to see if they offer incentives. Most of the major
health insurance companies, including Blue Cross, cover part or all
of fitness club memberships as part of your benefits. If yours
doesn't, or if you don't have health insurance, call your local YMCA
or YWCA. Most offer 'scholarships' or sliding fee scales for
memberships to their facilities.

But exercise is such a chore!

Says who? Make getting your daily exercise fun. Play a game. Go
dancing. Grab a few friends for a weekend hike in the state park.
Exercise doesn't have to be routine. Stop thinking of it as a chore
and start thinking of it as recreation. You'll be amazed what a
difference it makes.

About the author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health expert from Nashville, TN.
Visit http://www.popular-diets.com/for more great nutrition,
well-being, and vitamin tips as well as reviews and comments on
popular diets.