Many individuals who I talk to about personal fitness and getting into shape tell me they really want to commit to working out but they just can’t find the time. When we sit back though, and think about how we spend every minute of every day, there are really choices we feel we need to make, but that ultimately prevent us from spending our time wisely. It’s also most unfortunate and interesting that when something really goes wrong, like an injury, we suddenly are able to make time to work on repairing and rehabilitating it.
Between kids, grandkids, commuting, work, and other responsibilities of life, our modern 24/7 lifestyle often leaves us feeling like there is just not enough time in the day to fit in a workout. Exercise becomes a low priority in our already crammed schedules.
Solution #1:
Instead of trying to find time to work out, think about how you can make time. Some activity is better than none. The trick is to find a block of time in your daily schedule that’s consistently free of commitments. That might be before or after work, during your lunchtime, or after dropping the kids off at school. The time commitment can be minimal. Start with 10 minutes in your day. The next week, go for 11 minutes and the following week, 12 minutes. Soon that found time will become part of your schedule. Walk every time you are on the phone so that you can knock out some more steps, and take the stairs whenever possible.
Solution #2:
How much television do you watch? Don’t allow yourself to watch TV unless you are exercising, or have already exercised that day. While watching TV, use resistance bands for strength training, do some wall squats, walk in place, or pedal away on an exercise bike.
Solution #3:
If your kids are young, or you’re busy with your grandchildren, pop them in a stroller and take a few laps around the neighborhood. As they get older, exercise while your child is at their after-school practice or game. Walk briskly around the soccer pitch or a track near the field of play, or run up and down the bleachers or stairs. For extra motivation, team up with another parent so you have an exercise buddy.
Solution #4:
Exercise with your kids or partner. Go bike riding, swimming, play one on one, or walk around the block and explore the neighborhood with them. I used to have my son ride a bike along side me while I ran through the path in the ravine.
