What’s the number one excuse people make for not working out?
Lack of time.
Sure, we’re all super busy, however, I promise that no matter how busy you are, someone even busier than you are is working out right now!
As they say, “where there is a will, there is a way!”
Consider 10 tips to fit fitness into your busy life:
1. WAKE UP EARLIER. Sleep is definitely important, but try hitting the sheets just 30 minutes earlier, so that you could get up and work out before your day starts? An early morning sweat session makes sure that nothing gets in-between you and your workout. With morning workouts, the time excuse is solved!
2. DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Think of your favorite hobby or pastime. You make time for it because you enjoy it so much. It’s the things we don’t enjoy that we put off and don’t feel bad about missing. That’s why it’s best to choose a physical activity that you actually enjoy and look forward to. I promise it will be more fun.
3. CUT DOWN ON FACETIME. For the next few days, record how much time you spend surfing the Internet, checking personal email, TV, or using your phone. You just might be surprised at how much time you waste on Facebook or playing Angry Birds when you could be exercising and taking better care of yourself instead. Suddenly, you may have much more time to squeeze in a great workout into even the busiest day.
4. BE AN ACTIVE TV WATCHER. Make it a point to do some jumping jacks or push-ups during commercials. Doing a little exercise during the commercial breaks can add up to almost 20 minutes of fitness for every hour of TV you watch. Begin by watching TV on a yoga ball to see if you notice a difference.
5. TRY AN ACTIVE COMMUTE. One of the best ways to fit exercise into your life is by incorporating it into your transportation routine. Consider biking or walking to work. If you drive to work, choose a parking space at the opposite end of the parking lot and if taking stairs to your office is an option; take them!
6. MAKE IT PART OF YOUR ROUTINE. You brush your teeth every day because it’s important and because it’s almost second nature to get up and do it. Start making some form of exercise a daily tradition. By incorporating it into your daily routine like you would your hygiene, you take the process of working out away from willpower and into habit.
7. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOURSELF. Working out should be your most important appointment of the day, even more so than going to the doctor or any other obligation that you prioritize. So whether it’s scheduling in an hour to go to that group exercise class, a personal training sessions or workout DVD over your lunch break, put it in your calendar and treat it like any other appointment you can’t miss!
8. CLEAN AND BURN. Turn your typical chores into a solid, calorie-burning workout! Set a kitchen timer for 20 minutes and see how much of the house you can clean. Try to be as efficient and quick-paced as possible. If you’re doing lighter housework (like laundry or organizing), throw in some lunges or jumping jacks every few minutes to start feeling the burn! Wear your heart rate monitor so you can see just how hard your heart is pumping!
9. ACTIVE PEOPLE DO ACTIVE THINGS. Make your social time more active by planning events that get all of you moving. Take the family on a hike. Play a game of ultimate football with your buddies, or make a date with your significant other on the treadmill and if you’re feeling really adventurous, sign up for a dance class together!
10. SAY NO. If you have gone through these tips and still do not have time, it is time to reevaluate your priorities. Remember that there’s nothing wrong in saying no. We all have obligations, make your health one of them.
