*Some Reasons You're A Couch Potato* Allison Van Dusen, 02.27.08, 10:30 AM ET We all know exercise is good for us. Regular physical activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can lower people's risk of a heart attack, colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as help with weight control, relieve arthritis pain and even reduce symptoms of depression. It can also cut down on visits to the hospital and doctor's office, as well as the need for medications. Apparently, however, that's not enough to get us up off our couches and into the gym. Many adults don't engage in activity levels consistent with public health recommendations--and 24% aren't active at all in their free time.
[image: ALT] You're Intimidated For some people, the idea of going to the gym and figuring out how to use the array of equipment is terrifying. Others don't like the idea of huffing and puffing in their sweats in front of a crowd. If gyms intimidate you, consider joining a specialty club, such as Curves--a fitness and weight-loss facility for women--or the boomer-friendly chain Nifty After Fifty. [image: ALT] You're All Out Of Self-Control If you've spent the day trying to pass up office sweets, you may not have the stamina to hit your evening gym class. Researchers from Florida State University have found that self-control isn't an unlimited resource. The more self-control you exert, the less you have left. If you're looking to replenish your supply, experts suggest getting some sleep. [image: ALT] You're In Pain New research from Australia's Flinders University has shown that among those aged 63 to 86, physical ailments were the most common barrier to exercise. That's despite the fact that health concerns were the age group's strongest motivation for being active. If pain is keeping you away from the gym, talk to a trainer for help coming up with a work out that's gentle on your muscles and joints. Water exercise and aerobics could be one option. [image: ALT](c) Shutterstock Nobody Else Is Doing It If women, in particular, don't see other women in their neighborhood exercising they're less likely to take a walk or hit the gym themselves, according to Amy Eyler of the Saint Louis University School of Public Health. That could be because of perceptions of safety, a lack of feeling that exercising is an accepted local norm or a simple lack of encouragement. [image: ALT] It Costs Too Much The average monthly gym membership rate is $39 to $55 per month for individuals and around $102 for a family, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. If that's too rich for your blood, you do have options. Check to see if your employer offers a gym discount and try putting your negotiating skills to use. You may be able to get a better deal or at least have the initiation fee waived.
