Finding time to exercise
First of all, you can’t count on yourself to be motivated to exercise. Ever. Exercise because you need to, not because you want to. Treat it like brushing your teeth – something you just have to do. Soon enough, it will become such a part of your routine that something will feel like it’s missing if you don’t go for a run, or go to the gym.
Of course, these days we’re all busy. Busy is a great excuse to get out of exercising, but, unfortunately for you, we’re not buying it. Plenty of people who have day jobs still manage to exercise. If you make the time, you’ll have the time. That said, if you’re really not sure how you could possibly fit it into your schedule, here’s a few possible gaps in your day you might not have considered:
Early morning exercise
If you’re not terribly opposed to getting up a little bit early a few times a week, early morning exercise can be a great option. For one, you get it out of the way first up. You don’t have to sit there all day talking yourself into or out of going for a run because you’ve already done it!
Also, early morning exercise means having to work overtime or being tempted into after-work drinks is not going to interfere with your routine.
Lunch hour exercise
Forget about trawling the web during lunch searching for the latest hit on YouTube or catching up with mates on Facebook, how about heading outdoors in your lunch hour. Even if it’s a brisk walk around the block or a hearty workout in the park, you’ll feel better for it and you might even find yourself more productive in the afternoon!
Incidental exercise
This is for the really time-poor. Exercise where and when you can throughout the day in short bursts – take the stairs instead of the escalator, park at the far end of the carpark so you have to walk the extra distance, get off the bus a stop or two early. Even the little things help make a healthy body.
In-transit exercise
In transit exercise is another gem – you have to get to work, so why not run there? Or you could invest in a bicycle and ride your way to work. Many offices have shower facilities these days so you can freshen up after your calorie burning commute, and it’s also handy to keep clean clothes at the office that you can change into.
Last thing before home-time exercise
If you prefer to exercise later in the day, find a gym close to your office and head right there after work. If it’s close to your house, you may be tempted to just head home, or go home first to change and then never manage to peel yourself off the couch. So don’t let your motivation melt away on the way home!
There are many opportunities for exercise just waiting for you to seize them! To make sure you make the most of these times, pick a form of exercise that you actually enjoy. It could be anything from team sports to classes to swimming – the only requirement is that you don’t completely hate it, so you’ll be excited to go along.
Finding time to exercise
First of all, you can’t count on yourself to be motivated to exercise. Ever. Exercise because you need to, not because you want to. Treat it like brushing your teeth – something you just have to do. Soon enough, it will become such a part of your routine that something will feel like it’s missing if you don’t go for a run, or go to the gym.
Of course, these days we’re all busy. Busy is a great excuse to get out of exercising, but, unfortunately for you, we’re not buying it. Plenty of people who have day jobs still manage to exercise. If you make the time, you’ll have the time. That said, if you’re really not sure how you could possibly fit it into your schedule, here’s a few possible gaps in your day you might not have considered:
Early morning exercise
If you’re not terribly opposed to getting up a little bit early a few times a week, early morning exercise can be a great option. For one, you get it out of the way first up. You don’t have to sit there all day talking yourself into or out of going for a run because you’ve already done it!
Also, early morning exercise means having to work overtime or being tempted into after-work drinks is not going to interfere with your routine.
Lunch hour exercise
Forget about trawling the web during lunch searching for the latest hit on YouTube or catching up with mates on Facebook, how about heading outdoors in your lunch hour. Even if it’s a brisk walk around the block or a hearty workout in the park, you’ll feel better for it and you might even find yourself more productive in the afternoon!
Incidental exercise
This is for the really time-poor. Exercise where and when you can throughout the day in short bursts – take the stairs instead of the escalator, park at the far end of the carpark so you have to walk the extra distance, get off the bus a stop or two early. Even the little things help make a healthy body.
In-transit exercise
In transit exercise is another gem – you have to get to work, so why not run there? Or you could invest in a bicycle and ride your way to work. Many offices have shower facilities these days so you can freshen up after your calorie burning commute, and it’s also handy to keep clean clothes at the office that you can change into.
Last thing before home-time exercise
If you prefer to exercise later in the day, find a gym close to your office and head right there after work. If it’s close to your house, you may be tempted to just head home, or go home first to change and then never manage to peel yourself off the couch. So don’t let your motivation melt away on the way home!
There are many opportunities for exercise just waiting for you to seize them! To make sure you make the most of these times, pick a form of exercise that you actually enjoy. It could be anything from team sports to classes to swimming – the only requirement is that you don’t completely hate it, so you’ll be excited to go along.