subject: So how do you fit exercise in your day along with everything else [print this page] So how do you fit exercise in your day along with everything else
Someone once said those things you want to do - you find a way, and the things we don't want to do - we find excuses. At times the same could be said for our approach to fitness. Exercise is not always on the top of our list of things to do, making it easy to find excuses not to do it. Then there are those that have the desire to workout but simply have so much going on in their life it seems virtually impossible to fit any time to exercise in your day. I fall into that category, it is such a challenge for me to workout the way I want to, and I feel both physically and mentally different when my workout routine is sidetracked. So how do you fit exercise in your day along with everything else you need to do?
Make the time - I find not having the time is often a matter of making the time. I mentioned before how I made a goal to cut out much of my television watching to make more time for reading. There simply is not enough time in the day to do everything that we want to do; we have to decide what is important and what can be put on the B' list. In my case, making time means getting up earlier in the morning to make sure I get my workouts in. Everyone is different so you must look at your situation and see where you can make the needed changes.
Make a schedule - once you find the time make a schedule. By making a schedule you mentally as well as physically set that time aside, there is no second guessing you know what you're doing at that time. As Robert Burns stated "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry". Just having a plan will not ensure your success. There will be time that you will be unable to maintain your schedule, things happen; but like setting goals, if you have a schedule, it is easier to get back on track when things do happen.
Have a plan - whether you're at the gym or working out at home, have a plan. Know what you're going to be doing before you start. When you start your workout with a plan, you to use your time to the fullest, you go from one exercise to another maximizing your time.
Turn the world off - this is easier said than done! Try to minimize distraction, if you're at home try to make it a time when your distractions are at their least. (I'm laughing as I write this, with my two year old climbing and crawling everywhere!!) If you're at the gym try to keep the conversation to a minimal if any at all, try not to get side tracked stay focused, remember you have very little time and every minute counts.
Be flexible - as I said things happen. It's better to get an abbreviated work out then none at all. Even if you have to shorten your time you still got a workout in. This keeps you in the practice of staying on schedule, also I have found I feel much better during the day if I only get a shorten workout as opposed to no workout at all. The most important thing is that you get in the habit of having healthy habits.
But what if you just cannot find the time? My next blog will cover ten exercises you can do anytime anywhere. I have to go, my two year old just pulled down the curtains.
