Weight Loss without Worry

     A study conducted by Dr. Ross C. Brownson of St.Louis University reported that women found more personal barriers to exercise than men.  This means that before a woman can even get into her workout clothing she must overcome a number of issues.

     The study found the top 4 barriers were

1. Child care
2. Lack of time
3. Fatigue
4. Bad weather

     Here are some suggestions for overcoming these workout barriers.

• Get clear on why you are exercising.  If you can not see in your mind the short and long-term benefits of exercise then you will soon lose focus and other things will take priority.
• Exercise first thing in the morning.  This lets you avoid scheduling conflicts that invariably come up as the day goes on.  Not a morning person?  Put your workout clothes on before you leave your bedroom.  This simple act can make you more likely to follow-through with your exercise plan.
• Find an exercise buddy.  You can accomplish this by joining a fitness class or by meeting an exercise buddy on line.  There are many message boards and forums where you can find a friend to help you will accountability, try Traineo.com.  Or, you can join a virtual on-line gym for free, go to Million Dollar Body and click on Play the Game.  There you will find hundreds of people to workout with - without having to leave your house.
• Stop burning the midnight oil.  Sleep is often sacrificed because of a busy lifestyle but it is vitally important for maintaining energy throughout the day.  Sleep also helps control cravings since we naturally look for something to eat when we feel we need an energy boost. 
• Avoid refined sugars.  Reaching for that sugar fix in the mid-afternoon might seem harmless at the time but you could be setting yourself up for a roller coaster of high then low blood sugar.  Also, if you start your day with sugar you will likely find yourself turning to it again later in the day, make sure your day starts with some protein.
• If child care or weather spoil your exercise plans then move your workouts in-home with an exercise video.  This gives you the freedom to avoid rain, snow and darkness while at the same time keeping an eye on the kids, if a problem comes up, just push pause.  Check out this collection of exercise videos and pick one that fits your goal, needs and time constraints (you will find them by clicking on Shop for Products).

     The bottom line is that allowing your body to move and be strong is important.  Make the commitment to bring exercise into your life then set up your environment to support your goal.