Are you spinning your wheels? 3 tips to motivate you to move

Stuck. Frustrated. Guilty. Restless. Lethargic. Sedentary. Disappointed. These are some of the words many of us use to describe how we feel when we are in a rut and don't take action--or don't even want to--although we know we should. And one area that all too often suffers is exercising for health. These days, we are all so busy. Getting out of the house, pushing away from the computer, leaving the office to do something physical--it just seems too unimportant and hard to bother with when we're overbooked and overwhelmed. And once those excuses and procrastination settle in, we decide it's too late. Better luck tomorrow, we say. Yes, tomorrow for sure is the day I get some exercise. Sound familiar? Make today the day, friends, not tomorrow. I, for one, believe that spinning on a bicycle is preferable and much more productive than just "spinning my wheels" with inaction and frustration. Ready to get those new wheels? Here are a few motivating thoughts to move you along. 1) "The hardest part is putting on your sneakers." That's what I often say to my patients and coaching clients. So often, once you take the first step, the follow-through is easy. Action step: Buy new sneakers. Also get yourself some workout clothes you'll enjoy putting on. Not expensive, just new will do it. Comfortable, breathable clothing and correctly fitted shoes can make all the difference. Feeling good is great motivation to do even more for your wellbeing. 2) Make an appointment with yourself. Leaving exercising for "when you feel like it" will usually result in a lack of action and a plethora of excuses why today is not the day. Action step: Treat exercise like any other important commitment. Write it in your calendar or appointment book. Set your computer to send you a message or reminder at the appointed time. Program your phone to ring. Get an accountability partner to call you. Hire a trainer to come to your house, or plan to meet someone at the gym or for a walk. 3) Visualize the high and low--then choose the high. Imagine how invigorated your body and mind will be at the end of a good workout (yes!). Now picture how disappointed and lethargic you'll feel if you skip it (darn!). Wouldn't your energy be better spent on revving up your circulation and working to meet your health goals than remorse? Action step: Start slowly, but start! Got to begin sometime, so how about now? It doesn't matter that it's a small step. It's the beginning of something bigger. Don't be overly self-critical; it just becomes an excuse. Not feeling that you look good enough to even show up at the gym? OK, skip the gym and spend thirty minutes on a brisk walk instead. And when you meet a commitment milestone, don't forget to reward yourself, too--just not with junk food! Spring is around the corner, and it's time to release winter lethargy and pounds. Let's all begin to get in shape and prepare for increased activity, slowly but surely.