..It had better not be one of those listed below. After "much ado about nothing" I have come to the conclusion that "no matter your exercise excuse there is an even more compelling reason to exercise." You may have a reason for abstaining from exercises for a brief period but no matter your condition there is something ideal for you provided you work with the right professional. Ladies and gentlemen behold the all time "favourite" exercise excuses: 1. "I DON'T HAVE TIME" You definitely are not alone. We all think we are extremely busy but we do make time for other things don't we? It is 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. 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. One good tip, if you have trouble managing your time you may do well to start exercising NOW! 2. "I AM TOO TIRED" We often spread out in 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 one needs 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 lets choose physical activity (exercise is actually a branch/subset of physical activity). That probably makes you more comfortable. Physical activity includes gardening, household chores, dancing etc. The point here is we should do more of what we enjoy and it does help to keep us on track. Always remember that 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 phone, walking to an office colleague 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" 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. Note this; starting to exercise at mid-life lengthens life-span. 5. "I AM IN TOO MUCH PAIN" I can feel your pain too. Many of us have extremely painful knees etc and find it almost impossible to even walk. The sad part of the equation is the pain worsens when we avoid all forms of physical activity. For many people there is extreme pain when we start walking but it improves over time. You could walk for as little as 30 seconds, take a break and continue. Some may be better off on a recumbent bike and others in a pool of water. If you do not know the cause of your pain talk to a healthcare professional and together with a fitness therapist they should be able to work out a plan for you. We setup business appointments and move heaven and earth to be present, we make time to take our bath and brush our teeth (hopefully), some of us even create time to chat on the phone with friends yet we find it too difficult to spare a few minutes to invest in our health. Maybe time is not the major issue here. Search your soul to determine why you are unable to exercise consistently for even a week and no matter how painful the truth may be, face it head-on and together we will have a healthier world. AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, 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 Moms' Health Club (dressel@healthclubsgh.com) *Dr Essel is a medical doctor and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition. Thought for the week - "Passing a medical examination does not mean you have no need for exercise and appropriate nutrition; it may rather be time to put your best foot forward."