You’ve heard it a thousand times, and have probably said it yourself, “I just don’t have time to workout.” Or “I can’t workout today because…”
We’ve all been there. And yes, there are days when it’s more challenging than others. But let’s look at what your goals are? How often do you want to work out? Most folks don’t want to work out every day. So when you have those super-packed days of travel, kid recitals or that important board meeting, you can build in a rest and recovery day into your workout schedule.
And if all of your days are super-packed, you need to examine your priorities and how you are spending your days. It seems we make time for those things which we deem are important. And we avoid those things which are not. But often the important are not urgent and the urgent are not important. Our health is undoubtedly one of the most important things for us to focus on and sometimes we don’t give it a priority status until it is threatened. It’s a very short-sighted approach when we examine it but so easy to do.
So without getting into the psychology behind why we don’t make our health a top priority, let’s look at four simple ways we can get that workout into our daily routine.
- Wake-up earlier (which also may mean going to bed earlier). Many folks are exhausted at the end of the day (ironically, that is heightened by not being physically fit). So instead of heading to the gym or the park after a long day at work, they head to the comfort of their home. And before they know it they are “in for the night” and don’t have the energy to workout. By getting up earlier and getting a workout in before work, you’re able to knock out the workout while you have the energy and stamina. That endorphin rush can also get you going and ready to tackle the in-box waiting for you.
- Limit TV. The average American watches over three hours of TV a day. While it can be relaxing and entertaining, TV can easily rob you of time that could be better spent elsewhere. If you’re not ready to give up TV cold-turkey, like I did earlier this year (btw, no regrets at all), consider using your DVR to record your favorite shows and/or limit your TV time to one or two shows a night. You could also consider watching TV while you exercise if you want to kill two birds with one stone. In addition, consider limiting your time surfing the web, engaging in social media, etc. Find ways to cut down on the “wasted” and unproductive time where you can.
- Get others involved. Whether it’s your wife, husband, kids or friends; working out can be easier when others are involved. Finding fun fitness activities with the whole family is one way. Supporting your spouse or significant other can be another. By supporting, I’m talking about giving each other permission to take an hour or two to go workout, while the other one picks up the kids, goes to the grocery store or handles the domestic duties. Trade off with your partner so that you both have “me-time” for staying fit and healthy. Getting friends involved can also be a great way to socialize and do a workout. Knowing that you’re meeting a friend for a run keeps you both committed and on-time.
- Put it on the schedule. You wouldn’t miss a meeting with a client or your kid’s soccer game, would you? The things that are important to us get put on our calendar. Why not do the same for your workouts? It’s amazing how well a schedule works, especially when you are a bit time-starved. Having trained for multiple Ironman triathlons, I often have to schedule 2-3 workouts a day. It’s pretty simple to fit things into your schedule and make it happen or at the very least, you get adept at juggling. And when you do, it’s not that hard to maintain.
