According to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than 30 percent of Americans are obese (defined as having a BMI rating of 30 or more). That equates to roughly 90 million people. Unfortunately, the knowledge of this statistic alone is not sufficient enough to create a positive trend toward diet and exercise; instead, many people rely on age-old excuses to justify their condition.

Arguably the most common excuse, “I don’t have enough time to exercise,” is the silliest. How is it possible that with all of the technology available, helping us to do things faster and more efficiently, we can’t carve out a slice of time for our own health? Exercise, while it does have some marginal immediate benefits, is at its most powerful when done consistently over time; there is no instant result,so it doesn’t receive a spot near the top of the list for most people. We manage to find time to upload videos of ourselves doing who knows what absurdity or staying up through all hours of the night playing video games or sending thousands upon thousands of text messages per day. Certainly some of that time can be devoted to working out. Placing the blame on a lack of time is a bit dishonest. The reality is everyone has the same amount of time, 24 hours per day. The truth of the matter is that it all comes down to priorities.Another often-used excuse is, “I can’t afford a gym membership.” A person does not need a gym membership to exercise. Unless you are physically ill, you can go for a run, a walk or a bike ride around the block. There are a multitude of resistance exercises that can be done with only your own body weight or a set of dumbbells. Exercise doesn’t have to cost a single cent; a gym membership should be considered a luxury. If it is of high enough importance, however, most people adjust their budget to accommodate the extra cost, especially in light of the benefits.

How about your children? Are they preventing you from working out? There are many ways around this one. Can you multi-task and work out at home while you are watching them? Children are full of energy. With growing bodies, they should not be sitting still for too long, anyway. Go outside to play together — they could probably use the time away from the television, computer or video game. If fitness is a priority, and you find that you absolutely cannot incorporate your kids into your program, find someone who can watch the kids for 30-45 minutes while you go break a sweat. Many gyms have a daycare solution as well. While children do present a challenge in being able to accomplish certain things, health is so vitally important that it should find a place in your daily routine.It seems that excuses are prevalent in this day and age, we have become chained to our computer and TV screens. Our butts have created a nice groove in our favorite chair or couch, and we don’t want to take responsibility for our own health and well being. The sad fact is that young, old, fat, skinny and even those with disabilities can exercise — all we have to do is decide to. That may sound a bit simple, but it is the truest way to break through the excuses and justifications — make a decision that your health is a top priority, and then take action.