Even after years of inactivity, there is no "I CAN'T"!

I am continually frustrated by people I suggest a fitness program to, who try it once, then tell me, "I can't do that."

OF COURSE YOU CAN'T DO THAT, YOU'VE BEEN SITTING ON YOUR ASS FOR 20 YEARS!

Wow, I mean, what do you expect? Do you think if I tell you that yoga or Insanity is great and you will benefit so much from it, that you should be able to pop in a DVD or go to a class and knock it out like it's nothing?

First, any workout that allows you to do that is not much of a workout at all.

Second, just like anything, you have to practice it to get better at it.

That is one of the hallmarks of programs like Shaun T's Insanity. It's impossible. I don't care how good shape you are in, you cannot make it through an entire Insanity workout the first time -- IF EVER!

The key to finally getting fit after years of inactivity is to push yourself without hurting yourself. If a workout lasts 30 minutes, and you  took breaks when you needed them, only working out for a total of 7 minutes, that's perfectly fine. You will improve as you stick with it. Next time you'd get 10 minutes. Then 15. And so on.

This is true about weight loss, and it's true about fitness, too: There are no magic elixirs. You have to put in the work.

When your exercise program challenges you, it is so much easier to tell it's working. If you choose a program that you cannot finish, when you can finally finish it, it's quite a thrill, and you know you are more fit. Simple.

So don't tell me that you are not going to do something because you "can't". P90X creator Tony Horton suggests that instead of saying "I can't" try saying "I currently struggle with." Keep that mindset as you enter into a program that you "currently struggle with", and go ahead and struggle your way to fitness!