Put a Stop to the TIME Excuse
by Rochelle Griffin
One of the most commons excuses (yes, I’m calling it what it is) that I hear from people who don’t workout is that they cannot find the time. Let’s be honest…we all are busy. We juggle families, jobs, school, social lives, etc etc etc. We all also have the same 24 hours at our disposal. How is it then that some people are able to find time to exercise while others struggle? Often it simply comes down to time management. I am going to share with you 10 easy tips that I personally have used to find the time to give myself the gift of health.
1. Workout at home
This is my #1 way to combat the time issue. Not only do you save time because you workout on your own schedule and don’t have to battle traffic going to the gym, but you save money by not needing a gym membership and by not using the extra gas. Win-win.
2. Workout in short segments
If you think that you can’t get a great workout in 10 minutes, you are flat out wrong. I am going to share with you one of my secret weapons. It’s called Ten Minute Trainer. None other than Mr. Tony Horton of P90X fame put this program together. All you need to find is 10 minutes per day. Even better, find 10, 20, or 30 min and “stack” the workouts for an even more intense experience. This program is no joke.
3. Get up an hour earlier
Yea, yea, I can hear the groans now. Look, I’m busy too. I run a company AND homeschool my son. Life is crazy. I set my alarm for 5am so that I can workout. If I don’t get my workout done before “life” starts in the house, I know that it won’t happen.
4. Workout on your lunch break
If you work outside of the home, utilize your lunch break to get moving. Going for a walk can help with your fitness and clear your mind at the same time. Have 15 minute breaks also? Exercise tubing is very portable, can be kept in your drawer or locker, and allows you to work your muscles. Remember, every little bit helps.
5. Sitting at a desk?
Use a stability ball instead of a chair to work your core. Yep, you’ll get stares but you would be amazed how this one change can workout your abs, your thighs, and your back.
6. Be aware of time suckers
Let’s be honest. How much time are you spending on Facebook or other social media sites, watching TV, and doing other mindless activities? Cut back by 30 min and you’ve just found time to workout.
7. Say NO
With 24 hrs in a day, you may very well be over-extended in your activities if you feel that you’re unable to even find 30 min to workout. It’s ok to not be a superhero to everyone. Continuing down this particular path is a sure way to lead to burnout.
8. Schedule it
If you keep a daily calendar (and I recommend everyone do so for their sanity,) I suggest that you literally block out time for your exercise. If the business meeting or doctor appointment in your calendar is a non-negotiable, make your workout appointment one also.
9. Make it a family affair
Don’t feel that you must sacrifice family time to workout. Instead make exercise a family affair. Go biking, go for a walk, put Tony & The Kids in the DVD player, toss a ball around, or throw a Frisbee. Get creative. Your kids will LOVE it!
10. Delegate
Talk to your spouse, significant other, kids about what you are trying to do. Ask for help! Let them clean the kitchen after dinner or vacuum the house to free up some time for you.
Ultimately it comes down to choices. As I said earlier, we all have the same number of hours in any given day. The question is how do you utilize them? Implement one, two, or all ten of my tips and I promise that you’ll find ample time to get that workout in.
If you have additional ways to find time to workout, please comment as I would love to hear them!
A Toast to Your Health,
Rochelle Griffin is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years experience who has transitioned her love for fitness, health, & freedom into a 6-figure company that now helps others live the life of their dreams.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Those are some really great tips Rochelle!!
Excellent! Some great time saving tips here; thanks!
Love these! These are so spot on, Ro!