Instead of waiting for the "right" time, why not start now? Getting exercise firmly established makes it easier for it to remain a priority for you year-round.
Plan like a Pro
Any parent knows that planning and preparation can make the difference between keeping things in order and complete chaos. Giving exercise that same kind of effort can help you make it happen:
- Make a weekly calendar of work, family and other responsibilities.
- Look for times you can squeeze in exercise. Doing shorter workouts throughout the day is just as effective as continuous exercise. Even if you only find 10 minutes here or there, that's 10 minutes you'll be moving instead of sitting. Try these ideas:
- Plan what you'll do and gather what you need the night before. For example, if you're going to the gym, you'll need your sneakers and shorts. If you're exercising in the morning, put your gear next to the bed so you can put it on as soon as you get up.
- Integrate exercise with other activities. If you're child is at soccer or football practice, use the time to jog or walk around the field. If you're at the mall, add a few laps of walking to burn extra calories.
- Set up a home gym. Even if you prefer a health club, having some basic equipment available (think resistance bands, an exercise ball and some dumbbells) as well as a few quality workout videos means you're always ready for a workout.
- Keep extra gear at work or in the car. If you can find a few minutes at lunch or on the way home from work, squeeze in a quick walk at a nearby park or around the parking lot.
Get Motivated
Planning and preparation means nothing if you aren't motivated to exercise. Finding motivation is simpler than you think, especially if you realize that there are many good reasons to exercise. Plus, there are some other ways you can encourage yourself to stick with your workout:
Get a Pedometer
If you haven't tried a pedometer yet, you'll be amazed at how motivating it can be. You probably already know that experts recommend walking 10,000 steps a day and you wouldn't believe how hard that is if you have a sedentary job. Clip a pedometer to your belt, and you'll instantly walk more just to meet your goal for the day.
Consider Partner Training
A personal trainer can be a huge motivator, but many people are put off by the cost. One option is partner training, which is cheaper and, by enlisting a friend to do it with you, you'll have added accountability to exercise.
Use Your Imagination
Too often, people have narrow definitions of what exercise is, as though only certain things "count." For many people, that means if it doesn't leave you breathless and sweaty, it isn't good enough. It's that kind of thinking that can limit your options so, open your mind and look for new ways to be active. I once had a neighbor who did walking lunges when she went out to get the paper. Another friend did pushups while waiting for dinner to cook. Anything can be a workout if you work hard enough at it.
Create Efficient Workouts
Another way to motivate yourself is to create a workout schedule that fits in your life. If you plan long workouts that never seem to materialize, it's time to create workouts that make sense. If you're short on time, stick with strength training moves that give you more bang for your buck. Compound movements that work multiple muscle groups will help you save time as well as add functionality to your workouts.
The following exercises target multiple muscle groups to help you save time. To make a quick workout, do each exercise, one after the other, for 1 set of 16 reps, using enough weight that you can ONLY complete 16 reps. If you have time at the end, repeat the circuit.
For cardio, increase the intensity for shorter workouts. Think of it this way: The shorter the workout, the harder you can exercise. If you only have 20 minutes, exercise at a higher intensity than usual or try adding fast-paced intervals to your routine.
Quick Workouts
10-Minute Cardio Ideas
10-Minute Strength
Boot Camp Workout
Circuit Training
Burn 300 Calories in 30 Minutes
More Workout Ideas
Whatever you do, don't wait until later to get back to your exercise routine. The longer you wait, the harder it gets and the more you get used to life without it. Make a commitment and do something today. It's never too late to get started.
