Oh yes you can

"I can't do it."

When you begin any statement with a self defeating and negative lead-in such as that, it will most often conclude in the form of a self-fulfilling prophecy. We spend enormous resources of energy convincing ourselves that that we are unable to do something for no other reason than to basque in our own relevance in being deemed correct. So why not reverse the psychology for a change? I mean it works, correct? Perhaps try a resounding "I can so do this!" and do not accept anything other than a complete and unconditional concurrence by the task at hand.

Getting off of the couch can seem like a daunting task, especially after a long day at the office. There is a simple scientific explanation for this that you can manipulate to your own benefit if you so choose to.  After hours of brain work at the computer, your body takes advantage of slumping on a couch and staring a mindless television.  Your pulse slows down and the parasympathetic hormones begin to take over causing you to relax. No more stress, no more deadlines, no more work. At least for tonight. Melatonin begins to release into the body making a nice little nap inviting.

The idea of working out in this state is downright insulting. And your body agrees with you as you try to stand up, perhaps to walk over to the kitchen. Your lowered blood pressure can make you feel even slightly light headed and your body tells you "sit back down now!". You don't have to listen. Here is a perfect example. You just realized you need to walk the dog before you can settle in for the night. As soon as you return from even a 10 minute walk, your hear rate is back up to a normal level. The body uptakes the melatonin, you feel slightly more energized. NOW you can make some dinner and get a few things done around the house.

This all happens due to our body accepting whatever state you choose to place it in and it thus makes adaptations in order support your efforts - be it walking, sleeping, running, etc. If you are one of those valiant fighters that decides to force yourself to the gym for a workout despite feeling exhausted on the couch, a simple walk on the treadmill will convince the body to begin releasing the sympathetic hormones preparing you for activity. Don't force yourself. In fact, don't even think about it. Just walk at a comfortable pace for 4 minutes. Then increase to a light jog for 1 or 2 minutes and then a brisk jog for 1 more to close it out.

Not tired anymore are you?

So whatever state you are in at any given moment, you are the boss of your body, not the other way around. Just start moving and give it a few minutes. Go at a comfortable pace - even if it is relatively slow. Put on your favorite music and slip into your zone and let your body do the rest. Within 10 minutes you're a new person guaranteed.