Yes, but ... what about exercise?

A new year always brings ambitious resolutions that most often fade away by well before Valentine's Day. But you can transform your life in an instant. Make one small change at a time. Put on your snow boots and get out. Spend those precious five minutes doing some deep breathing and stretching. Say no to the mocha. Remind yourself you are loved.

Do you ever catch yourself saying, "Yes, but ..." when you know you need to exercise?

Yes, but I have work to do.

Yes, but I don't have time.

Yes, but I'm too tired.

Yes, but can't you see all the other things I have to do first?

You can "Yes, but" yourself into forgetting what is most important.

Yes, you have important work to do.

Yes, time is a problem.

Yes, you are tired.

Yes, but: Everything you love in your life is dependent on your body. You need your body to hug your kids, play in the sunshine, dance and even work long hours.

Yes, but: Your passion in life depends on having a functioning body. Your body will support your passion for work when you take care of it with enough exercise.

Yes, but: Your personal freedom is dependent on your good health. Look around at the unfortunate folks who forgot to take care of their bodies. They can't go out dancing, play golf, hike/snowshoe/ski Mount Tallac, ride the Flume Trail, water ski on Lake Tahoe, ski the Face at Heavenly, or whatever it may be.

Look at your life. What would you miss if you were not healthy?

You can "Yes, but" yourself out of exercising if you aren't careful. It is too easy to lose sight of the fact that exercise is essential.

You can "Yes, but" yourself into exercising when you remember what truly is important to you. Exercise comes first, because you want a great life.

I ran across the "Yes, but" prose shortly after I moved to Tahoe. Several of my clients have received copies. If the author should read this, please contact me so that I may give credit to who deserves it.

- Rhonda Beckham is a nationally certified personal trainer, with teaching certificates in Pilates and kickboxing.

Help Me Rhonda Rhonda Beckham is owner of Help Me Rhonda and Perfect Pilates, a Pilates instructor at Lake Tahoe Community College and Sierra Athletic Club, as well as a personal trainer operating out of Sierra Athletic Club and the Tahoe Keys Marina Dance Studio. She may be reached at (530) 208-6369, www.TahoeTrainer.com and rhonda@tahoetrainer.com.