*There are a few things you can do to overcome the most common barriers to fitness.

I don’t have enough time to exercise regularly- Squeeze in a few 10 minute walks or get up 30 minutes early to exercise.

Exercise is boring- Exercise with a buddy. Change your activities by cross-training- walking, biking, or swimming.

My family and friends don’t support my efforts to exercise- Pack a healthy lunch and head to the park for Frisbee. Take the family hiking or biking.

I’m afraid I’ll get hurt- Take a beginner’s class. Work out with a personal trainer.

I’m self-conscious about the way I look when I exercise- Work out at home with an exercise video or home exercise equipment.

I’m just too lazy to exercise- Schedule exercise as you would an important meeting or appointment. Join a sports team or league.

I’m too tired to exercise after working all day- Switch to early morning or lunchtime. Walk in the evening instead of doing a more vigorous workout.

I’ve tried to exercise in the past and failed- Pace yourself. Start by walking and gradually build up your exercise time and intensity.

I don’t have a convenient place to exercise- Walk through the park or at the mall. Forego the elevator in favor of the stairwell.

I travel too much to exercise- Bring your workout gear with you. Hotels and many airports now have exercise facilities.

Instead of lamenting what you don’t have, find ways to make better use of what you do have. By finding small ways to incorporate exercise into your life gradually, you’ll find that you’re setting up a positive path toward lifelong fitness.

Robert R. Orford M.D., C.M., is a director of the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program in Scottsdale, Arizona.