What's Your Exercuse?

     No, that's not a type-o.  An Exercuse is an excuse given to not exercise.  I've used several, including "I'm too busy," "I have bad knees," "I don't like to sweat," and "It's no fun!"  Any of those sound familiar?  Do you have any to add?
     We all know exercising gives you many health benefits including sleeping better, reducing stress, having more energy, improving your cardio health, and aiding in weight loss.  Check out "Why is Exercise Important?"
     Now, to address some of the exercuses:

1. Am I really too busy?  I seem to find time for the things I want to do...spend time with friends, read, check my Facebook, watch a movie, etc.  Maybe a better way to put it, instead of "find" time, is "take" time. I take time for the things I value.  Even though I don't particularly like to exercise, because I value my health and keeping my weight at a healthy level, I must take time to exercise.
2. I really do have bad knees.  Since I've lost my weight, going up stairs has gotten a lot easier.  Getting up and down is easier, but I still have to be very careful when I kneel or do a knee bend.  So can I still exercise?  Absolutely! Check out "How to Exercise with Bad Knees" and "Chair Exercises." "Chair Exercises" provides links for several different exercise routines, including a modified Zumba workout.
3. Not too many people like to sweat.  some of the chair exercises in the link mentioned in #2 can be done without sweating.  The solution I found is water aerobics.  You sweat during aerobics, but since you're in the water, it's not noticeable.  Water aerobics also helps out with the "bad knees" exercuse.
4. Make it fun!  I got the 10 Minute Time Crunch kit at Weight Watchers and have been enjoying it.  It is a quick, easy way to move and lets me work at the intensity I need  before advancing to the next level.  I really enjoy music, so I have some of my favorite songs on my iPod to listen to while I walk.  I also found a YouTube video with a workout to "Move" by MercyMe.

     Do you have any suggestions.  Feel free to share what works for you.  If you don't like to use the word "exercise" try "activity."  Put some activity in your day everyday!