Busy schedules of getting kids ready in the morning getting off to work, dinner, after school activities and everything else in between leaves little time for other things. Things like taking 30 minutes to get in a little workout. Lots of us know that we need to lose some weight and get into better shape. It would give us more energy, help us stay more focused, and make us healthier in general. How do you fit it into your schedule though?
Make the Extra Time
It is easier to make an excuse that you do not have enough time to squeeze 30 minutes of fitness into your schedule. But if you really look at your schedule you can make that time. Get up a little earlier in the morning if that is possible. Maybe that means getting up earlier enough that the kids are not up yet. If you are at home with the kids maybe you can include them in your workout. If you are at work, take 30 minutes during your lunch break and take a walk or jog.
If you are not sure how to fit in the time before work, maybe it is possible to fit some time in after work. Some people go to the gym after work for a little while to get in a good workout. You might also be able to get your kids and your husband in to the workout after work. If that is not an option, see if you can't get your workout to the gym or squeeze it in later at night when the kids are asleep.
Take it Slow
Don't jump into a major fitness routine unless that is a part of how your personality is. You will get yourself in over your head if you do that. Start off with 10 to 15 minutes if you need to do each day. Start one week with 15 minutes each day. The next week or week after add another five minutes increasing your fitness time to 20 minutes each day. As each week continues, try to add five minutes getting your 30 minutes of fitness in for the day.
Another way to manage your time with fitness is instead of working out for 30 minutes a day, workout for an hour 3x a week. You still get the same amount of fitness, but you won't have to do it everyday. For some people, that could be a little motivation to get moving.
Moderate Exercise
Walking is an excellent form of exercise. It is not strenuous. Running is great too, but walking is a good place to start. Almost anyone can walk to get exercise. It doesn't cost anything. And walking is especially nice on sunny days. This is when you are not just getting in your exercise, but vitamin D as well. You are giving your heart and overall body a workout. You will feel more energized.
If you don't feel like walking is getting the results you want, brisk walk. Brisk walking is not running, but is not regular walking either. Add some light weights to your workout. That is taking weights that wrap around your ankles or holding them in your hands. That will help with strength training as you are walking, brisk-walking or running. Light weights might be 5-7 lb weights.
Reasons to Get Fit
In some situations, you need to stop and reduce some of the activities you are doing. If you are completely over booked and not taking enough time for yourself, you may wind up regretting it. Having the discipline to start exercising and sticking with it is not easy, but the rewards of becoming healthier and having more energy to play with your kids is an awesome plus. Your body will shed pounds and your clothes will start to fit better, meaning you will look a lot better. People will wonder what you have been doing to look so much better. Do you feel you just lack motivation? Check out our workout motivation post to get motivated.
Many of you have busy schedules. Do any of you have tips for finding time to get a great workout?
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