Excuse #5: “When I think about working out, I picture myself panting, red-faced and in pain, so I find something else to do.”

The fix: Take a tip from top athletes, and imagine a different scenario.

You’ll frequently see Olympians frown right before they compete. Most of them are not worrying about the event (even though that’s what it looks like they’re doing). They’re engaging in imagery — visualizing what’s to come.

Imagery is a mental rehearsal.

This exercise is very effective: If you’re going for a run, what obstacles (bikers, traffic) will emerge? Picture yourself navigating around them.   Try to see every step as if you’re watching it in fast forward.

Then take one last breath, open your eyes, and go.