How do you find time to workout?
Are you saying, “Forget about how I find time to workout, what about what if there is no time in my day to workout?”
Is that your life? Are you so insanely busy that you have determined there is no possible way that you have time to exercise – not in the morning, not in the noon day, not in the evening, no time of day?
Recently I posted a video about the benefits of starting your day with exercise. In the video I make reference to a work colleague whose commute to work is well over two hours, one way. For her, working out at any time of the day is a challenge.
Check this out: This might be you
Early morning workouts. She already has to get up at 4am just to make it to the train. That's out.
After work workouts. As a project manager, she typically works late. That's out too.
Lunch hour workouts. With work meetings throughout the day, even going to the gym at work is not an option.
What is person in her position to do if she desires to workout for optimal health, but can't find the time to do it?
Get it in where you can fit it in
I considered her challenge, wondering, “What would I do if that were my situation?”.
The list below is my brain thrust to answer the question, How to you find time to workout? This list of five tips will get you started on your way to optimal health when you have little time to spare.
1. Focus on strength training workouts
While getting ready for work, waiting in line for your morning pick me up, the bus or train, at your desk, or between meetings, use your body weight for strength training in order to help burn calories and protect you bones. Don't worry if you look strange, you have to get it in where you can fit it in.
For example, in the video I mentioned doing squats while brushing your teeth. Try this.
- Brush
- Spit
- Do 5-10 squats
- Repeat for 2-5 reps
2. You come first: Check emails later
How long do you think you spend reading and responding to emails first thing in the morning? Come on now, you know you reach for that crack-berry as soon as you wake up. What do you think, maybe 5 – 10 minutes? You know what you could be doing instead? Yes, paying attention to your health!!
- Put the phone and computers away.
- Leave the email checking and responding until you have taken care of you.
- Do this workout I found from Fitwirr, especially for you. If you do not like it, find another one. I do not care, as long as you are getting it in where you can fit it in instead of checking those emails.
- 15 Squats
- 15 Push Ups; modify by using your knees until you get stronger
- 30 second plank; If 5 seconds is what you can do, challenge yourself for more next time
- 15 Bicycles
3. Shaun T. 5 minute workouts
- Follow Shaun T. on his Facebook page.
- Do one of his daily five minute workouts.
If you find Shaun T's workouts too challenging, keep in mind that life is better spent on your challenges so consider yourself in good hands. Do what you can. You will improve. No worries.
4. Walk everywhere
- Instead of taking an escalator or elevator, walk, or run, the stairs.
- Make up reasons to walk. We sit too much anyway. Give your mind and body a break by taking the time to walk away.
- Park far away from your office building, bus stop or train platform, then speed walk your bootie over there.
- If you are carrying a laptop, let that act as your weight for bicep curls, one arm shoulder presses, or tricep kick backs.
5. Family fun
Make family time fun and active. There are all sorts of things you can plan with your family to help you get it in where you can fit it in. Here is a very short list of ideas.
- Ice or roller skating
- Peddle boats in the park
- Running the kids to events and games? Don't just be a spectator. Grab some other parents and..
- Run in place while being a spectator
- Do an exercise during timeouts
- Walk or run stairs during half-time
To stay fit, remember, doing something is far better than doing nothing. Get it in where you can fit it in.
For you, how do you find time to workout? Share your comments below, on Facebook or Twitter.