We are all aware that frequent, vigorous exercise is beneficial to our health and fitness. It is not, however, something that everyone loves, and it is often much easier to make excuses for not exercising than it is to get out there and do it. At least, that is how it seems. Thinking you don’t have enough time, that it’s too expensive, that a minor injury means you can’t continue, or that your health isn’t good enough in general to workout may make sense in your head, but in reality, donning a pair of tennis shoes and heading out to a gym class, to play sports, or just for a brisk walk around the block can be done by anyone, regardless of age. Here are some tips to help you overcome your excuses and start exercising.

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The Excuse: You Don’t Have Time

One of the most common reasons we offer ourselves for not exercising is that we are too busy. We work late, then spend time with our families or just relax before waking up early to do it all again. When the weekend arrives, we’re too busy to exercise. The reality is that there is always time to exercise since, although it is ideal if you can devote a significant amount of time to it, you only need thirty minutes or so to get your heart rate up and the exercise to be beneficial.

The Excuse: It’s Too Expensive

It’s true that joining a gym with a monthly fee or paying for an exercise class every week can mount up, and all those gadgets and pieces of equipment that you believe you need to perform a decent job while exercising can be expensive. There are lots of other things that money can and maybe should be spent on when people are on a limited budget, which is why exercise might be overlooked – the money just isn’t there.

Although we are not advocating that you pay for anything that you can’t afford or are not comfortable paying for, we are saying that there are many methods to exercise without spending much, if any, money. A walk is always free, for example. Plus, you can look at workout videos on YouTube and then follow the actions at home. You can also jog up and down your stairs or around your yard to get your heart rate up and your sweat going (which is a good thing). Many parks provide free outdoor workout equipment. You are not required to spend large sums of money unless this is something you can afford and want to do, but you can still exercise.

The Excuse: I’m Injured

A severe injury or medical condition can be a valid excuse not to exercise for a short amount of time, particularly if your doctor has advised you to rest or seek chiropractic care and avoid doing anything that can aggravate your condition. It’s better in this situation to do what you’re told until you’re completely healed.

A minor injury that will not be exacerbated by exercise, or a less severe sickness, are not great reasons to refrain from exercising. In fact, if you exercise while you are feeling under the weather, the feel-good hormones and chemicals released into your body may help you feel better, at least temporarily.