I planned to go for a run, but it snowed. My week has just been too busy to get to a fitness class.  Everyone from work went out to happy hour so I skipped my personal trainer. After taking care of the kids and running errands, I was just too tired to do that fitness DVD. I just got laid off, so I don't have the money for a trainer or a gym.

What's your reason for being bad to your body?

Whatever your barrier to exercise is, there is always a way to fit in your fitness.
The secret is in goal setting. Most barriers to exercise are not real, they are just perceived. The first step to beating your barriers is to write them down and brainstorm ways around them.

No time?

Do shorter workouts and multitask your moves.(That is why I designed my fitness DVD to fit an hour long workout in just 30 minutes.) Don't feel like exerting yourself today? Do yoga, pilates or just take a walk to do your errands. Bored with your workout? Try a new class or DVD. Invite your friends to a workout or go to thiers. Think you are too old or out of shape to work out? Try anything that is for beginners or a senior workout.

However the most powerful barrier many people express is that they have just
been out of the workout cycle for too many years. The answer to that is to be S.M.A.R.T.

To start the S.M.A.R.T. way, follow the guidelines us fitness trainers
learn when we are certified from Personal Fitness Training Theory & Practice pg 380):

Specific: Define your goal by how many pounds, miles, minutes, etc.

Measurable: Make the goal measureable so you are clear when it is achieved "I want to be able to jog for 20 minutes without stopping."

Action oriented: write out the details like the time of day, what day is a class and what day you'll go on a bike ride each week, what time of day, for how long and what days will be easier and which you'll push yourself.

Realistic: Chose an appropriate goal for you, don't try to run a marathon, but maybe try to run for 20 minutes without stopping as your first goal to work towards.

Timed: Set a time to measure your success. A wedding date? First day of summer? Husband coming home from deployment?

Wipe out excuses, start the S.M.A.R.T way, and fit in your fitness!

Check out Nikkifitness' blog on the Fitness Channel.