When there is something we don’t really want to do, we make excuses. Sometimes our excuses are quite creative.

“I don’t know how to exercise.” This common fitness excuse is real. People often times don’t even think that a brisk walk or gardening can be considered exercise. We all know that getting up and off the couch and doing something physical and getting our bodies moving IS exercise, to a point.

Not knowing what to do when it comes to a health club may be different. Weight machines, new-technology cardio equipment and group-exercise classes may take some instruction.

Solution: Many of the new exercise machines have instructions and diagrams to help you get started. Crossroads Fitness offers a “Fitness Foundations Program” to teach the fundamentals, from basic knowledge of exercise machines to taking your heart rate.

“I’ve tried exercise and I keep quitting.” If this seems to fit for you, you may have not found the exercise that you love. Variety is the spice to life. We all get bored doing the same things and not seeing results.

Solution: Try different activities. Group exercise classes are a fun way to exercise. The group atmosphere is motivating. Once you find the right exercise, you will be excited and much more apt to go do it.

“I just don’t have time!” This one is classic. When we don’t take the time to care for our health, we may just lose it. Everyone these days is very busy, from the stay-at-home mom to the business executive. We all have 24 hours in our day to make sure that we take time for ourselves.

Solution: Schedule your exercise time as an appointment that you just can’t miss. Remember that even if you can’t do a full 30-minutes, some exercise is better than nothing.

“I don’t want to get hurt.” Exercise doesn’t have to be painful.

Solution: Start slowly in an exercise program and build up. Attend a getting-started program or hire a personal trainer to not only get you started on the right foot, but to teach you proper form.

“I have kids!” Having a family and young ones at home can make going to the gym more difficult.

Solution: Find a health club that offers a kids or nursery area. Little ones from age 6 weeks to 12 years of age can come with you when you exercise. They are not only loved and cared for, but they get a chance to play and socialize. You won’t have to feel guilty while they are having fun.

“I’ll lose weight, and then I’ll join a health club.” While health clubs may seem intimidating, maybe you just haven’t found the right one.

Solution: Find a place that fits your personality, location and personal goals. Since it is a place where you will be going numerous times a week, you will want to find a place where you feel comfortable. Everyone there started at the beginning of their own fitness journey. You will be surprised that there are people of every age, size and shape to welcome you.

Whatever your excuse is or has been, there is a solution. Stop making excuses and get moving!