Time is so crucial to many of us and squeezing just a little time out of our day to workout is very difficult. More experienced “workouters”, find the time, and more often, that is why they are in great shape. The question is how and where can we find the time? Many of us have full-time jobs, kids, the kids’ extracurriculars, TV to watch, blogs to write, this, that and everything else. Making a balance is hard but doable. Likewise, working out does not sound like fun, so don’t make it a workout. All that said, there are some sure fire ways to make the time and of course, this will take some will power, dedication and most importantly love for your life, family and friends.
During Work Time
You wake up in the morning wishing you could get just ten more minutes right? That is my routine, I beg for ten minutes, quickly realize it ain’t gonna happen, roll out of bed, drink 12oz. of water right away, put my workout clothes on and hit the gym. I get back, eat meal #1 and take a 30-minute commute to work. I work 8-5 normally, coach high school baseball from 5-730 and head home. I get home, say hello, make meals for next day, hit the sack. I know my life is pretty blah… However I like my routine, I like it even more when something throws off my routine. Why, because the challenge has been issued, how will I make the time to take care of ME? Sound selfish, it is. Be selfish, dedicate an hour to just you.
Many companies offer wellness benefits and one of those benefits is some time every week to take care of you. After all the better shape you are in, the less days you will miss and the less you will cost your company in health insurance. Take full advantage of this little extra time if you have it. If you don’t, you most always have a lunch hour, who uses the whole hour everyday to eat? If you go out everyday, well that is an issue in itself and how can I get some of that money? Furthermore, it takes most of us 10-20 minutes to eat, then we have nothing else to do except relax. Most of you know where I am going with this but I will elaborate. Go do something, walk, keep a couple of weight under your desk, push ups, sit ups, anything to get you going. (Found 30 mins)
Dreaded Morning Workout
The before work or early morning workout, keep reading please. If you are like me, you don’t mess with my sleep time and that 30 more minutes of sleep is pivotal. Moreover, sleep is super important and if you go to sleep at midnight and expect to workout at 5am your not using your head. On the other hand, waking up in the morning is an awesome way to start the day and for many it is just getting used to that and making it a routine.
Many of us are actually morning people, if we wake up. Some of you are shaking your head and whole heartily disagreeing. There is no doubt for some of us it is hard to do. Think about when we have to wake up for something, first we are cussing at the world, asking why and then we adapt and for most, we enjoy the morning and wish we could wake up this early more often.
Moving on, when many people start working out, they will try to start before the start of their day. Most people will try to do this everyday because they are motivated and ready and eventually, in just a few days time, they come to this ”I will workout after work,” then the excuse goes back to “I don’t have time after work, I WILL get up tomorrow” and on and on this trend will go. The worst thing you can do when working out in the morning is over do it when you first start out. Trying to workout everyday in the morning when you just starting to workout is a fast recipe for failure. It is like going full fledged into a fad diet, failure is immanent.
Start slow. Start 2 days a week. like Monday and Thursday. Likewise, no matter how motivated you are to wake up that Tuesday do not. Make yourself yearn for the workout. A couple days between is a great amount of time. On the other hand, too many days between can get you out of the rhythm. Then after about two weeks, work in one more day. Three times a week for a while is great and when you get in the groove after a couple months, go ahead and boost it from there.
Do Not Over Do It
When you finally take the time for yourself, take your time. The worst thing you can do is over do it and burn yourself out by working out. Going 5 days a week is not smart when you first start out. Take your time and mix in some other activities if you cannot help yourself. Make variety a priority when being active.
Have Fun
Kids, wife, friends, family, whomever, will not mind you taking time out for yourself, so you can be there a few more years in the end. Working out does not have to be work, it should be fun and something you crave. Your family and friends would love to be involved if you go to the park to shoot some hoops, play catch and all of the activities out to PLAY. What most don’t understand that going to gym is not the only way to workout. There are so many other activities you, your family and friends can get involved in.
Change the Name
So many times the thought is “I do not have enough time to go to the gym” or go wherever and get your workout in. “Workout” to many can have a stigma, therefore, “I don’t have time to workout.” On the other hand do you have time for your kids, wife family friends? Go play, go ride bikes, build a snowman, play a game of something and so forth. Sometimes all it takes is different jargon and you will have a renewed motivation. PLAY.
There is time. It is all in your head. It is easier and way more fun than you think.
Side Note
I am a big fan of the “Biggest Loser” TV show. I watch it usually on the computer since I gave up cable (see Quick Tips part of my blog) and after most of the contestants get voted off they go home and gain weight or don’t lose any all, most of them blame it on TIME. Contestants are secluded from life on “The Ranch” which is a 24 Hour Fitness with some houses for the contestants. Time is all they have when they are there. When they depart “The Ranch” they go home to their real life and find it to be hard. They often have epiphany’s when they are home to MAKE TIME FOR THEMSELVES.
