Fitting in Fitness
By Michael Scholtz, Best Life fitness expert
You want to exercise—you really do. But you just can’t seem to find the time. Between the business meeting that ran late, shuttling the kids to and from soccer practice, cooking a healthy dinner and staying on top of household tasks, there just doesn’t seem to be any way to squeeze it all in.
But everyone has the time—you just have to look in the right places. First, try to figure out what’s really keeping you from working out: Is a jam-packed day-timer your albatross? Or maybe you use time as an excuse when you really lack motivation. Once you figure out what's standing between you and your regular sweat sessions, you can use these tricks to make a schedule and stick to it!
TIPS FOR THE TIME-CRUNCHED
Be active all day long. Can't make it to the gym? No problem. Look for creative ways to squeeze some fitness right into your day. For example, park in the farthest spot at the grocery store. Use the stairs every chance you get, at the office or when out and about. Take your dog for a long walk around the neighborhood instead of a quick once-around the yard. You can also wear a pedometer (one of Bob’s favorite pieces of workout equipment). It's a simple, concrete way to measure your success and progress. Plus, numbers can be a great motivator. Try to top your previous day's count or your weekly or monthly totals.
Rise and sweat. Set the alarm an hour earlier and go for a walk or do a fitness DVD before you get ready for work. Studies show that people who exercise in the a.m. are more likely to stick with their routine than those who put it off.
Streamline the process. Make your workout schedule as time-efficient as possible. Keep a bag with your sneakers and clothes in the car and at your office so you’re always prepared. If you exercise in the morning, lay out your clothes the night before. Try to eliminate extra steps whenever you can.
ADVICE FOR THOSE LOW ON MOTIVATION
Adjust your priorities. Here’s a simple lesson: If you value something, you'll do it. So when you place exercise as one of the last things on your to do list, odds are you won’t get to it. Make exercise your top priority, and you’ll find the time.
Set Goals. Make your goals clear and attainable. Instead of saying, I’m going to exercise more, try, I’m going to get up at 7 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes. It's precise, realistic and easy to achieve.
Make it personal. Don't view exercise as just a way to shed pounds. Try to find something of personal value that it provides, like a spicier sex life or the ability to play with your kids. Remind yourself of these benefits whenever your motivation wanes.
