Overcoming your exercise obstacles

Here are the top seven barriers to exercise and ways to hurdle over them:

1. No time. Spend a week identifying 30-minute time slots that you can set aside for exercise. Then mark your day planner accordingly.

Other time "obstacles" to hurdle:
* Travel for work. Choose a hotel with a fitness center or pool.
* Family obligations. Fit in exercise with the kids.

2. Lack of support from family or friends. Ask them to support your efforts.

3. No energy. If you are a morning person, maybe a before-work workout is best. If you feel an energy boost after work, then you may want to hit the gym on your way home.

4. No will power. If you're saying this, you may need to write yourself a contract. Working out with a buddy (tennis partner, walking companion) will also keep it fun and keep you motivated.

5. Fear of injury. Talk to your doctor first to get the go-ahead to exercise.

6. Lack the skill. If you can walk, you can exercise. You may want to take a class to develop new skills.

7. Lack of resources. This barrier may be related to money or location. You don't need to join an expensive gym to exercise. All you need is a pair of sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. Or work out in the privacy of your home with your favorite aerobics DVD.