Why Is It So Hard To Exercise?

If I asked ten of my patients whether they know it's important to exercise, every single one would probably tell me that they're aware of how important exercise is to a healthier life.

Most of them would also be able to tell me why exercise is important: it can help lower blood pressure, improve sleep and mood, and fight off diabetes and certain cancers.

Many would likely be aware of guidelines recommending 30 minutes of brisk activity every day.

But if I asked them how much exercise they actually get, most of them would tell me that they don't.

How can that be? Americans are among the best-informed consumers in the world. They pride themselves on being well informed. Internet-user surveys consistently show that medical information is one of the most sought-after resources on the Web. Could it be that we're better at reading about health and fitness than at pursuing it?

Even though the benefits of exercise are well known, population trends show that we're not reaping those benefits. Why? It seems we have put up some barriers that defeat us before we even get started.

"I don't have time." Who can't relate to this one? No one, it seems, has time these days to do everything that is demanded of them. But: if you examine what's really important, wouldn't your health be near the top of the list? Try this: Instead of "defeating" yourself because you don't have time for a half-hour of exercise, try to make time for three, ten-minute sessions of an activity you like to do. It can work just as well, and you'll become convinced you actually do have time.

"It's so inconvenient." You might be turned off because it takes more time getting ready to go the gym than you spend actually exercising once you get there! Try this: invest in a pair of good walking shoes and try to integrate more walking into your routine activities. That way, exercise isn't something you "put on;" it becomes part of how you accomplish your day-to-day activities.

"I hate to exercise." Join the crowd! Try this: change the way you do the things you always do anyway: use a push lawn mower, park farther away from the mall, give up the elevator at work, and take the dog on a longer walk. It all adds up.

"It's too complicated." There is so much conflicting information on the "best" way to get fit, lose weight, eat better. No wonder we're confused. Here are some simple facts: regular exercise is essential; it doesn't have to be done in a classroom to be effective; it doesn't require fancy equipment; the only way to lose weight is to eat less and move more. Try this: take a walk with a friend. If your doctor doesn't advise against it, try to walk twice this week. If you feel OK, try three times next week. Build up your distance and frequency gradually. Repeat every week. It works!

Terry Shlimbaum, MD
Medical Director,
Hunterdon Regional Community Health