What will it take?.... What will it take for you to 'make' the time, or shall we say 'take' the time, for yourself, to exercise?

Now I'm not saying your excuses aren't valid. I know you're busy - just trying to keep up with all the things you need to do… & you're exhausted - even if you could manage to find an ounce of time somewhere you wouldn't have the energy to do anything with it anyway.

I know about this all too well - because it's the story of my life. I am often (more often then I'd like to admit) low in the time & energy departments and the more I put off exercising & try to justify my reasons for not exercising today…the more tired I get. "Well come on who wants to exercise when they're tired?"

The funny thing is though - there aren't too many people out there who wouldn't agree that once you 'do get out there' & get exercising (even if it's just for a simple walk) you not only feel better but you feel more energized! ... So what are we waiting for?

Okay now that we all agreed exercise actually helps give us more energy – we must remember that that's not all - it also helps us to get fit … & when we are more fit (generally) we are more happy & healthy. Isn't being happy & healthy what we are after? I mean we aren't too much fun to be with when we are tired, unhappy &/or sick – are we?

Well unfortunately it takes energy to exercise & when you're tired, who's got the energy to do it - let alone the energy to find or make the time to do it? And unfortunately, no one else is going to exercise for us & so if we don't make our health a priority (that is become accountable for it) & if we don't take the time to get out & get fit – then things will never change, certainly not improve ... & I know that's not what I want.

So when I'm totally swamped & I don't think I could possibly even make it through a walk, let alone muster-up the energy to make the time to get out there to get it done. There is a saying that comes to mind that seems to help get me motivated. I'm sure you have heard it - it's been repeated on every airplane flight you've ever taken…..the flight attendants always say: "In case of an emergency, put your-own oxygen mask on before helping anyone else with theirs."

Please don't wait for an emergency – look after yourself before that – so that you can deal with whatever might come up.

Women in particular are famous for putting everyone else ahead of themselves (I know there are lots of men out there who also do this as well – let's not forget them)… Regardless of whom – there are many people who continuously put themselves last & it's important to think about how neglecting exercise can not only affect your own health – but also the lives of the people we love.

When we exercise we handle stress better, we have more energy, get along with others & feel better about ourselves... Not to mention we are probably a lot more fun to be with.

If that isn't enough to get you going – what is it going to take?