Health Tip: Overcoming Obstacles to Exercise

Life's problems often get in the way of your best intentions when it comes to exercise.  However, a few simple adjustments in your schedule and thinking towards exercise can help incorporate exercise into your daily life, no matter what bumps along the road you may encounter.

The American Council on Exercise offers these possible solutions to combatting exercise "saboteurs":

• When you're stressed out, schedule time for even a very short workout. Exercise is a great way to fight intense stress, the council says.

• Don't set unrealistic expectations, which can only result in frustration. Set goals that challenge you, but are attainable.

• Avoid overtraining, which can slow your progress. Instead, schedule some down time to help your body rest and recover.

• When something unexpected comes up, adjust your workout plan accordingly, but don't eliminate exercise entirely.

• Pump up and motivate yourself with positive thoughts.