Finding time to work out is a big challenge for many people. But, what if you could “sneak” it into your busy schedule without taking any time out of your day?
Work and family commitments are consuming and derail our best efforts to exercise. Clients and family members have often told me, “If I can’t get at least an hour workout in, what’s the point? I might as well not workout at all.”
Even if you can’t make it to the gym, any kind of exercise is better than none at all! On days when a longer workout is not possible, exercising for 10 or 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times throughout the day can equal a decent workout.
When my kids were younger, many evenings and weekends were spent sitting at ball parks, waiting on practices and watching games. Walking the perimeter of the park before the games and in between innings added up. I did not have time to get a good workout in, but those steps and walking lunges I did in the parking lot added up.
Another way to “sneak” in some extra workout time is getting up a little earlier in the morning. Lifting weights, doing some core exercises, a quick run or walk are just a few great morning workouts. Working out in the morning is a great start to the day hopefully with less distractions. I don’t think you should skip out on sleep for a good workout, but going to bed a little earlier can help you wake up a little earlier to workout. Just like the 10 minute walks at the ball park added up, a quick 15 or 20 minute workout in the morning can give you the motivation to squeeze in another 15 or 20 minutes at lunch or after work.
When doing a quick workout, pick an exercise that is challenging for you. I love planks and do them every day. They are not easy, but a plank is an easy move to modify and work your way up to a full plank. The planks, bridges and push-ups I do every day keeps my whole body strong, strengthens my core and motivates me to workout harder when I have time for a longer workout.
Come see me anytime at the South Bend fitness desk for 10 minute workout ideas!
