One of the most important things is everyone’s life is time. It is something that we never have enough of and you can’t buy any more of. However if you eat right and have time set up for fitness you can earn some extra time by having a healthy lifestyle. The most common excuse I hear is that I don’t have enough time in my day to work out or cook for myself. My response is that is false, it may mean you plan poorly.
I also used to use some of the same excuses when I was younger but as I look back at I was just not using my time efficiently. Now as a person married with 2 kids, 2 jobs and going to school full time, I am still able to find time to train 6 times a week. I prep all my meals on Sunday so I don’t have to spend much time during the week cooking and workout out right after work which leaves me to spend time with the family the rest of the night until they go to sleep. Once the family falls asleep then its time for school work. Rinse, wash and repeat.
The best way to make time for exercise is to have a written plan. Figure out the best time to exercise and put it in your phone or calendar as a reoccurring event. This way it shows up daily and there’s less chance of you scheduling something during that time. Also, when you check your schedule in the morning, you’ll see it there and form a mental picture of when and how you’ll be exercising that day.
If you have an upcoming business trip or vacation, be sure to include your workout clothes. Just packing them signals to your brain that you intend to make time for exercise. Spend 15 to 20 minutes swimming laps, running stairs, or jogging on the hotel treadmill first thing in the morning.
If family obligations prevent you from fitting in regularly scheduled workouts. Schedule family hikes, soccer games, after-dinner walks, bike rides or family trips to the gym. Let the kids suggest family-activities. And remember that exercise is something you’re doing for your family. When the kids see that exercise is important to Mom and Dad, it will be important to them, too.
Exercise DVDs are cost-effective, private, flexible, and they allow you to stop and start your workouts based on real-life time constraints. For example, you can do laundry while working out if you are a stay at home parent. I know for me P90X started out my fitness transformation and got me prepared for military life.
When you’re short on time, focus on higher-payoff workouts. HIIT workouts are great for someone with limited time available. Kettlebell swings (keep a kettlebell or resistance bands by your desk) and slow-motion resistance training are great workout that could even be done in a office. The key is staying focused and maintaining a high intensity throughout.
