The Best Life - Fitting in Fitness

By Michael Scholtz, M.A., 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. Your first step: Trying 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 your workout? No problem. Use all the running around and chores you have to do to your advantage. 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 out for a long stroll around the neighborhood rather than a quick once-around in the yard. Another trick: Use a pedometer (it's one of Bob's favorite pieces of workout equipment for a reason!). 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 step or 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 have shown that people who exercise in the a.m. stick with their routines better than those who put it off.

Streamline the process. Make your workout schedule as time-efficient as possible. Keep a bag of workout clothes in your car and at your office so you're always prepared. If you exercise in the morning, lay out your clothes the night before. Eliminate extra steps whenever you can so they don't trip you up.

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, I'm going to exercise more, try: I'm going to get up at 7 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes. It's precise, realistic and easy to achieve.

Make it personal. Don't just view exercise as a way to shed pounds. 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.

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