I have heard a number of excuses about why people choose not to work out, and simply put, I’m sick of it. if you’re blessed with a body that will allow you to move around, there are not many good reasons why you should not exercise in some way for at least 30 minutes, five times every week. in the next couple of weeks I will dismiss some of the most common excuses people give for why they don’t work out.

1. “I Don’t know What to Do.” This is probably the closest thing to a good excuse I’ve heard. but it’s not good enough for me, and it is a big part of why I continue to have a job as a personal fitness coach. Certified personal trainers are educated in how to help people work out and accomplish their fitness goals. whether you know how to lift weights, but don’t know how to create a program, or you’ve never stepped foot into gym, a personal trainer is a great way to learn how to work out safely and effectively.

If you don’t have money for a trainer in your budget there’s still no excuse. Today, there are a variety of fitness classes you can go to, either through a gym or with a private trainer. Providing you have a good instructor, he or she is teaching and showing you exactly how to do each movement. the same is true for exercise DVDs. Programs like P-90X or Tae Bo allow you to follow an instructor in the comfort of your own home, without anyone watching.

2. “I Can’t Afford It.” When people say this, I have to question what else their money is spent on. Do you buy lattes or eat out for lunch? How many shirts are in your closet? if something is important to you, then it will find its way into your budget. I’ve seen gym memberships advertised for as low as $20/month. if you ate out one less day each week, you could pay for the membership fee, and you’d probably eat healthier, too. if you don’t want the commitment of a membership, there are a number of classes offered around the area on a pay-per-class basis. while I do understand that we currently live in a tough economy, the last time I checked walking, jogging or running stairs outside is free.

I will also add that while you may not feel that you can afford it now, in the long run you will pay for your health with more doctor and hospital visits and prescription medications. Instead of paying for pills to lower your cholesterol later, try investing that money into your health now. a good workout could have the same or better results!

Get rid of your excuses and start working out, you’ll start to look and feel better in no time!

If you have a question or excuse for Kate Conwell that you’d like her to address in print, submit it to . Kate Conwell is a nationally certified personal trainer and owner of Pure Body Fitness: a local independent fitness coaching business. purebodyfitness.com