By Camela L. Douglass, M.S. ED.

As a personal trainer and fitness instructor, people are constantly inquiring about what they should be doing to get healthy or how much exercise they should do to get into shape. After I give them my passionate spill and professional advice, they somehow (in the same conversation) talk themselves out of what they initially sought to do - do better to get better.

It is interesting how people can find every excuse in the book as to why they can’t eat healthy or why they don’t exercise. I’ve heard everything from “Water makes me sick” to “My knees hurt every time I start exercising.” Therefore, nothing surprises me when it comes to hearing excuses as to why people won’t commit to bettering themselves. Unfortunately, the road to obesity and preventable illnesses is paved with good intentions.

After hearing the last ridiculous excuse, I decided I will no longer listen to any more “mo better blues.” I am tired of people wasting their time and mine when it comes to seeking to do better, yet choosing to do worse. I have sown my last good seed in fruitless ground, stroking egos and walking able-bodied adults through their excuse driven lifestyles. The Bible says, “The truth will make you free” and the truth is - everybody can do something!

For example, I have a client who has survived three brain surgeries, a client who has endured a double hip replacement, and a client who overcame a stroke. They never miss a beat in my Mosha (Moving and Shaking…) class. They do what they can do at their level and never complain about what they can’t do. Most times, they are working harder than anybody else in the class.

At what point do you stop making excuses? I have a few suggestions as to how to make strides toward becoming a healthier you.

1) Stop making excuses.

2) Decide what you are going to do and do it.

3) Choose your own adventure; determine how low or high of an impact you need to go to according to your abilities.

4) Accept the things you can’t change and change the things that you can.

5) Congratulate yourself for doing something.

Remember to keep it simple and enjoy the process—it’s your life!

Camela L. Douglass, M.S. ED.

Founder and CEO Mo Better Me Studio in Trotwood, OH.

Home of Mosha Fitness and powered by Mo2v8U Enterprises, LLC

www.mobetterme.com