HOW'S YOUR WRITER HEART?

A recent study shows we who sit at desks for six or more hours a day are more likely to be overweight than those with active jobs. Desk-bound workers, they say, should limit calories and get more than half an hour of exercise a day to maintain a healthy weight. 

We know physical activity is good for us, but that doesn't mean we do it on a regular basis, if at all. When you're not exercising, what's your excuse?

Excuse #1:  Between work, family, munching, snacking, dipping, chewing and swallowing, I’m too busy to exercise. 

Solution
Make physical activity a priority. Carve out some time each week to be active and put it on your calendar. Try waking up a half-hour earlier to walk, scheduling lunchtime workouts or taking an evening fitness class.

Excuse #2: By the end of a long day, I am just too tired to work out. Besides, I’ll miss my TV shows. 

Solution
Break your workout into three 10-minute segments each day. Taking three short walks during the day may seem easier and less tiring than one 30-minute workout, and is just as good for you.

Excuse #3: I think my weight is fine, so I’m not motivated to exercise. Nobody has to know I undo my pants after each meal.

Solution
Think about the other health benefits of physical activity. It may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and lower your odds of having heart disease, type 2 diabetes or cancer. Research shows that people who are overweight, active and fit live longer than people who are not overweight but are inactive and unfit. 

Excuse #4:  Getting on a treadmill or stationary bike is boring. And there’s no place to put my plate.

Solution
Meet a friend for workouts. If your buddy is on the next bike or treadmill, your workout will be less boring. Watch TV or listen to music or a book on tape while you walk or pedal indoors. 

Excuse #5:  I’m afraid I’ll hurt myself. You never know when you’re going to have a sneaker blowout. 

Solution
Start slowly. Even if you're doing an activity that you once did well, start up again slowly to lower your risk of injury or burnout.

Excuse #6: I have never been into sports. I hate sports. And this has nothing—nothing whatsoever—to do with the fact no one in school ever chose me for their team. Sports are dumb.

Solution
Find a physical activity that you enjoy. You do not have to be an athlete to benefit from physical activity. Try yoga, hiking or planting a garden.

Excuse #7: I don’t want to spend a lot of money to join a gym or buy workout gear. I’d rather save that for my future open-heart surgery.

Solution
Choose free activities. Garden, take your children to the park to play, lift plastic milk jugs filled with water or sand or take a walk. Check out your local recreation or community center. Choose physical activities that don't require special gear. Walking requires only a pair of sturdy shoes. To dance, just turn on some music.

Excuse #8: I'd be embarrassed if my neighbors or friends saw me exercising. I prefer they catch me (and my bum) hobbling down a hospital corridor.

Solution
Invite a friend or neighbor to join you. You may feel less self-conscious if you are not alone. Go to a park, nature trail or fitness or community center to be physically active.

Whatever you choose to do, be consistent. Every time you get the blood pumping through your veins, you’re getting rid of negative energy. It’s like cleaning out a clogged drain. And that can only make every facet of your life, including your writing, flow more smoothly.