It’s okay to give yourself a break every now and again. But when you’re making excuses more and keeping your exercise commitment less, it’s time for an intervention. Here are some common excuses – and ways to fight them. It’s time to get yourself in gear.
Time
This is probably the most common excuse of all. In our rush and hurry world it seems finding time for things that matter is nearly impossible. Think again. No, you can’t get more hours added to your day, but you can manage the hours you already have a little better. Try these ideas:
1. If I work out I won’t have time to watch my favorite show. Solution: exercise while the show is on, or during commercials.
o Good exercises that require little space include: squats, jump roping, jumping jacks, planks, lunges, kettlebell swings and triceps dips.
2. I only have 15 or 20 minutes free in my day. That’s not really enough time, so why bother? Solution: HIIT.
o HIIT or high intensity interval training lets you do more in less time. Mix periods of high intensity exercise (think 8 or above on a scale of 1 to 10) with rest or slower paced exercise. An example would to alternate sprints with walking. HIIT can be as effective as longer periods of exercise. 15 minutes of HIIT is equivalent to 30 minutes of steady state exercise. What’s more, you quickly build stamina and torch mega calories.
3. Traffic keeps me on the road so late each day there is no time left for exercise. Solution: home or office gym.
o It is nice to exercise at the gym but it isn’t necessary for every workout. Try a 15 minute HIIT routine before work. You can hit the gym on the weekends. Alternatively, you can join a gym near your job and head there for exercise. When your finished traffic will likely be lighter so you’ll get home at about the same time.
4. Exercise doesn’t leave enough time to do things with my friends or family. Solution: make it a group effort.
o Join a gym with childcare if you have small children. Workout with your spouse or partner. Older children can hop on the treadmill beside yours. Many gyms have monitors so you won’t even miss your favorite shows.
o Skip the bar and opt for active fun. Why not go hiking, biking or rock climbing instead of surfing stools at your local watering hole?
5. I travel so much there is no time left for exercise. Solution: try weight-bearing exercise.
o The beauty of weight bearing exercise is you can do it anytime, anywhere.
Walk between concourses at the airport.
Choose hotels with a gym so you can walk on the treadmill.
Ask the concierge about good places to run or walk near the hotel.
Practice the exercises listed in tip one in your hotel room.
Plan walking meetings.
Exercise is important for maintaining overall health as well as reducing the likelihood of chronic illness. Be creative. There are many ways to find time to invest in your own health and well-being.
