Just Do It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People who are successful at exercising have a secret that makes it work.
That secret is simple: Just do it.
No excuses.
Don't think about it. Just do it!

from Netscape.com


That's the word from a team of researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada. Those who exercise regularly don't need pep talks or even think much about the pros or cons of being active. It's just a non-negotiable part of their daily schedule. Led by Dr. Sandra Cousins, professor of physical education and recreation, the research team conducted in-depth interviews with 40 men and women ages 42 to 77. "We used to think that positive self-talk was important to promote individual exercise participation, but when it comes to the general public, you don't need a pep talk. You need a plan," said Cousins. "If you have planned to meet a friend every Tuesday at 3 p.m. for a walk, you will show up so you don't let them down."

This May Be the Best Exercise You Can Do [Netscape]

How Can I Get Started on an Exercise Program? [WebMD]

A Hidden Benefit of Daily Exercise [Netscape]

Tips to Keep Your Exercise Program on Track [Simple Fitness Solutions]

Break Free From Your Weight Loss Plateau [iVillage]
While 88 percent did use various "self-talk" strategies to stay motivated, the key strategy used by almost all the successful exercisers was to create an exercise plan and then stick to it. "When something goes wrong with the plan, like bad weather, they adjust for it," said Cousins. "For the unmotivated exerciser, an obstacle becomes a good excuse to do nothing. It's a mindset." Some of the most cited excuses to avoid exercise were job pressures, tired feet, health concerns, age, boredom, bad weather, and even worries about a flasher in the neighborhood.Who is the most active? That recognition goes to women ages 40 to 55. They tended to have the highest activity level and awareness of the benefits of exercise. "They are leading the way in being very health-conscious," Cousins explained. "That is likely due to heightened awareness about health issues in the media, such as menopause. Boomer women are well-read. They are also the health-providers for their families, so that makes them more aware."Who is the least active? Men and women who are 56 and older are 30 percent to 50 percent less likely to be physically active in their leisure time, fearful of causing themselves illness or injury. "They're being cautious, believing they need to be passive and careful, but they need to open up their thinking," Cousins said. "They don't believe that 60 minutes of active living everyday will help them age more successfully." Who has the best intentions? Men in their 40s and early 50s are less active than women of the same age. Their No. 1 excuse? They're tired from their jobs. "They have noticed their pot bellies growing, forming as they sit and watch the action at the sports bar," Cousins said. The good news: This group is the most open to the message of "Just do it." Says Cousins, "They are very aware in this study of what they are not doing. As 'intenders', they are most likely to benefit from employer and other community initiatives for fitness."The study was published in the journal Psychology of Sports and Exercise.