When you’re feeling overworked or overwhelmed, it’s easy to find an excuse to skip a workout…or two…or a whole week’s worth. But don’t let bad excuses get in the way of good intentions. Here’s how to keep them from derailing your fitness routine.

THE EXCUSE: “I’m too busy!”

Instead of letting your endless to-do list take priority over your health goals, treat exercise like any other important task. Prioritize and plan ahead. Schedule fitness onto your calendar – the same as any other appointment. Of course, there will be days when you really are too swamped to squeeze in a full workout—but that doesn’t mean you should skip it altogether. Instead, try to carve out a few minutes to break a sweat. If you have just 10 minutes, it’s still progress. Go outdoors and do a few sprints, or try a time-crunch-friendly workout like my 5 Minute Flat Abs Workout or try to beat your plank record!

THE EXCUSE: “I’m beat.”

Whether you’re sore from yesterday’s workout or drained from a long week at work, don’t bail out just because you’re low on energy. Start slowly, and gauge how you’re feeling after the first few minutes. It’s okay to exercise at a lower intensity for a shorter time. Start doing it, and really listen to your body to see if this is nurturing or punishing. Stay in tune with your body; push but don’t overdo it! Promise yourself you’ll do the first five minutes of your workout—once you get going, chances are you’ll go ahead and push through.

THE EXCUSE: “I’m broke.”

When you’re on a tight budget, it can be hard to justify the cost of a monthly gym membership. But you don’t need a gym membership to get in shape. Walking is among the best ways to move, and you can do it anywhere. There are plenty of body weight exercises you can do at home without any equipment, too!

THE EXCUSE: “The gym is intimidating.”

You might feel like everyone’s staring at you, but the truth is, they’re probably way too busy worrying about what they look like. So get out of hermit mode and go build a support system. Everybody started out as the “new kid on the block” and understands how you feel. Most people are more than happy to help out and be supportive.

THE EXCUSE: “I’m bored.”

If you do the same workout every. single. day, it’s easy to fall into a rut. But there’s no rule that you have to stick to a rigid, repetitive fitness regimen. Renew your enthusiasm by starting a new program, joining a new class, ditching the treadmill for a hiking trail, or taking your furry friend to the park.

THE EXCUSE: “I’m dieting instead.”

Just because you’re counting calories, it doesn’t mean you can just chill on the couch. Diet alone works well when weight loss is the goal, but adding exercise to the mix can enhance the results. Also, exercise has countless other health benefits—you’ll look better, feel better, sleep better, have more energy, and be more productive at work and home. And with all those benefits, why would you want to make excuses?