1. "I hate to exercise!"
Then we want you! Let's face it - you have to start somewhere. You know the benefits of exercise at any age. Exercise can be fun, easy and rewarding. You only have to exercise 2 hours per week to participate. Many who started exercising through Tour de Bentley got into a routine and have stuck with it. Give it a try, you may actually enjoy it!
2. "I exercise on my own."
That's fine - you don't have to exercise with your co-workers and you don't have to participate in on-campus activities. Sure, those who do are eligible for more bonus points, because Tour de Bentley is a Campus Connections program and the goal of Campus Connections is to get employees to know each other and have fun. If you already work out, why not get something for it, even if it's just a pedometer? Chances are there are people who would love to have you on their team.
3. "I don't have time."
You have to make time for exercise and make it a priority. Get used to using all or part of your lunch break to work out, or right before or right after work. Before you know it, it becomes a regular routine that you make time for. If you are busy with kids, include them in your workout. Play the Wii together, or other activities.
4. "I have no chance of winning."
Most of us don't either! Does everyone who enters a race enter because they think they are going to win? Of course not - most people do it to challenge themselves, to get fit and to have fun. That's what Tour de Bentley is about - it's not about winning - but for those who love to win, Tour de Bentley does provide random prizes that anyone can win, regardless of activity level.
5. "I hate filling out a weekly exercise log."
Seriously, even for those of us who are not used to online entry forms, this year's log completion is simple and takes no more than 10-15 minutes per week. If you get into the habit of recording your exercise each day, you won't run in to the problem of completing a weekly log and not remembering what you did for the entire week.
6. "I'm on the faculty. Tour de Bentley is for staff."
Not true! Each year, more faculty join the program. We moved the start date of the program from April to February to accommodate faculty who often aren't around after Commencement. JOIN US!
7. "I can't afford a gym membership."
You don't need to join a gym. Tour de Bentley accommodates all types of exercise and it's free - all you need is a pair of sneakers. The Dana Center is available to all faculty and staff free of charge and its hours accommodate all schedules.
8. "I don't have a team to join."
Don't worry about that - chances are we can find you a team. Just give us your name and we'll connect you with others looking for teammates.
9. "What I do for exercise is no one's business but mine."
That's fine - HR is outsourcing log submission to a fitness and wellness company called Wellness Workdays and your log remains completely confidential.
10. "I don't want to let my teammates down."
Then don't! Make a commitment to working out just 2 hours per week, taking 10-15 minutes per week to complete and send in your log. That's it! Studies show that those who exercise with others are better able to stick with a program. Team captains should be people who can offer support and motivation to the rest of the team. Choose a team captain who'll serve as cheerleader for your team and you're good to go!