Finding the Time to Work Out

When is comes to exercise, it's easy to run out of hours in the day before you actually find the time to work out. This is an all-too-common problem that many individuals face today. Time can be a very difficult item to manage, and consistently finding free time is even more difficult. 

 Whether it's work, school, family obligations, travel or a myriad of other commitments that are keeping you from working out, there are options that may help. One item to remember is that for every 20-minute workout where you achieve an aerobic effect (maintaining your target heart rate for a minimum of 20 consecutive minutes), you will gain energy throughout the day and even the entire week.

One strategy is to try going to sleep 30 minutes earlier at night and wake up 30 minutes earlier in the morning to complete your exercise routine. The workouts that you perform in the morning could be anything from taking a walk, jogging or biking to following an aerobics or a yoga tape, or weight training. This is often a good strategy as exercising in the morning before your day gets started and other individuals are awake typically allows for less distractions.

By doing so a minimum of three days a week, you will discover that your energy level, attitude and confidence increase. In addition, you will begin to see the transformation in your physical appearance as your body begins to shed its unnecessary fat.

By simply working out 3 times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes per workout, you will create an environment where your metabolism functions at a higher level well after you have completed your exercise session. Hence, your body will begin consuming a higher number of calories per day. This, in turn, will create a scenario in which you begin to burn additional body fat and lose weight.  

Fitting Exercise into a Busy Schedule

If working out in the morning does not fit your lifestyle (i.e. you have children to help prepare for school), don't despair - there are several other options you can utilize. For instance, another option may be to work out during lunch. If you are a member of a fitness center and it is close to your work location, then the lunch hour may be ideal. Many fitness centers offer aerobic classes around the lunch hour. If your workout includes the use of cardiovascular machines (i.e. treadmills, stationary bikes, stair climbers, ellipticals, etc.), then a varying lunch hour fully facilitates your workout approach as these pieces of equipment are always available. 

In addition, if you primarily work at a desk or in an office area, you can grab a quick bite after your workout. In fact, if your fitness goal is to lose weight, you could complete your workout with a low calorie protein bar and some fruit or raw vegetables. By doing so, you will be combining your fitness program with a nutritional dietary approach. 

If working out during the morning or lunch hour timeframes do not fit your lifestyle, there are always the late-afternoon and evening periods. These time periods can be utilized to work out at your home, around your neighborhood or at a fitness center.  

In fact, one of the benefits of exercising after work is that it is an ideal time to let go of the stress of the day. If you belong to a fitness center, yoga center, or have fitness equipment at your home, make an effort to complete your workout before you do anything else. 

If working out immediately after work is not an option, try taking a walk after dinner. You can do this alone, with your significant other, your children or a workout partner.  By making fitness a priority in your life, you will be guaranteed an increased energy level, a healthier body, more confidence and self esteem, improved mental capacity, and a reduced chance of illness. 

These are just a few thoughts in relation to finding the most suitable time period for you to dedicate solely to your personal health, fitness, and mental well-being. Of course, each individual's circumstances will vary.

You will need to objectively evaluate your personal lifestyle and determine what workout timeframe best facilitates your lifestyle.

The most important item to remember is that physical fitness, coupled with an appropriate dietary plan, is an investment in your personal health and well-being. 

For tips and techniques associated with virtually every aspect of good health, fitness, and mental well-being make sure to continue to check back with the various sections of our website. In addition, for even more "up to the moment" health and fitness information feel free to sign up for our newsletter.