Overcome your exercise barriers - Get Fit

What's your excuse for not exercising? For young adults, the top three reasons are lack of time, family responsibilities and embarrassment, especially in the case of overweight women, a recent Florida State University study found. To surmount such typical obstacles, try these strategies, suggests lead researcher Laurie Grubbs, Ph.D.:

* Schedule your day around exercise. If friends or family try to coax you away, ask them to join you. Better yet, make friends with people who enjoy being active.

* At home, ask others to help lighten your load. Then visit the gym at off times, such as in the early morning or midafternoon.

* Join a women-only gym. If you're less than confident about your body, you're likely to be less intimidated at an all-female club.

* Choose fun activities. You'll want to exercise more, making perceived obstacles seem less formidable.

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