no time to exercise! help!

lainielouise

Hey! Im new to MFP and need help on how to fit exercise into my already packed schedule. Any ideas?

daffodilsoup

There's not really a magic answer for this - you have to make time. Wake up earlier, go to sleep later, try to get a workout in during your lunch hour. Take a look at your schedule and see what can be rearranged - and remember that workouts can be things like walks, bike rides, hikes - they don't always have to involve going to the gym.

biddy249

Simple, make time for yourself and budget execise into your daily schedule.

YMark

Easy. If you want to exercise and make lifestyle change you'll find the time. Easier.... do nothing.

infamousmk

Basically the same as everyone else said - if you want it, you'll make time for it.

vettle

Sorry but, we're all busy! Everyone has 30 minutes to work out. Do circuit training - it's 30 minutes of everything you need in a workout!

hallensd

There's not really a magic answer for this - you have to make time. Wake up earlier, go to sleep later, try to get a workout in during your lunch hour. Take a look at your schedule and see what can be rearranged - and remember that workouts can be things like walks, bike rides, hikes - they don't always have to involve going to the gym.

This! I am new here, as well. I have 5 young kids and my days can be hectic. Yet, I force myself to exercise AT LEAST 15 minutes a day (and I will increase that as I get more into shape). I just do DVDs at home. I wouldn't be able to make it to the gym and I don't have any equipment at home. The DVDs work just fine!

maxiek

I am also fairly new to MFP. However, on all the message boards I learned about 30 day shred (30ds) and the thing I love most about it is that it is only a 20 minute workout. So it literally adds less than a half an hour to my day. Level 1 is on youtube, search the message boards and you can read how amazing it is! I know finding time to go to the gym is actually a pain in the *kitten* and the amount of time it takes makes it easy to skip a workout. But be honest-do you have an extra 20 minutes to half hour a day? If so, try 30 day shred.

blondejillie

Do you watch TV? If so, you have time. If I'm going to watch a movie, I try and work out on the stairstepper or treadmill.

robot_potato

You have to make time for it. I work full time, take care of a husband and 2 kids, I make home cooked meals, own a small business and do respite care for an autistic child. I make time for what is important, simple as that.

Rayman79

No offense meant here, and I'm not trying to be mean... but I call BS.

There is always someone who is busier than you, who is exercising more than you.

It is all about setting priorities, making the time, and not making excuses.

I have been that guy, several times. I work full time, I have also studied full-time whilst working and have had 2 kids under the age of 4. Did I sit around feeling sorry for myself and get fatter? You betcha. Do I now? HELL NO. I get up before dawn and kick my own *kitten*, before the kids even wake up.

I am making time for myself, because if I don't - no-one else will!

cjtescher

I use workout DVDs from netflix.com - They have about 5 different 10 minute solution DVDs, so start out with 10 minutes then you will see results and want to add even more time!

frugalmomsrock

I'd say invest in a couple pieces of equipment for your house. I have five kids, and sometimes it all happens in spurts. Today, I did 20 minutes early in the day (on my stationary bike) while my baby took a cat nap. Then I did 30 minutes later in the day when he was taking a slightly longer cat nap. Then before supper, I contemplated running up to my Curves for a quick 30 minutes... but decided to just hop on the bike for 10 more minutes. So I ended up with 60 minutes and a fair burn--in spurts.

You really just have to ask yourself, "how bad do I want it?" I really want a healthier life for myself, so I put forth the effort at any moments I can.

gregavila

Think about it...you have the same number of hours available to you as Einstein, Thomas Jefferson, Mother Theresa, Gandhi, and others have had. They were able to accomplish great things.

What is your priority? Surely there is 30 minutes a day you could find for exercise.

kittyraccoon7

I work 2 jobs, 7 days a week and am a single mom to a 4 year old... I'm finding a way to exercise, I'm sure you can too! :flowerforyou:

I walk on my 10 minute breaks each day (allows me anywhere from 10mins-20mins of just walking!) and I fit in a workout when I can find someone to watch my son, but there's always dancing in my living room! :blushing:

Tandi_S

I am making time for myself, because if I don't - no-one else will!

^^^THIS!

We are all busy. Jobs, kids, school, community involvement, school involvement...whatever our poison we all seem to be way over-scheduled most of the time. You've got to decide that it's important enough to you to want to try to squeeze it in.

A few months ago I decided this was something I needed to do as well. So I found a way to make my work-outs happen during my lunch hour. Enough time has gone by now that if I don't get to work out over lunch, I get a little cagey. It's easier for movement to become a habit than you might think! You can do it!

DataBased

Also, be aware that there are exercises you can do while you're... sitting at the computer posting on forums. Craigslist is a good resource for used items like thigh masters, under-desk bike pedals you can spin while you work, and other stationary routines you can do.

I put our Wii to good use at home. If the Hubs is watching t.v. when I want to work out, I go upstairs and just do some regular exercises we all learned in high school - windmills, toe-touches, tummy crunches. We can do this - no fancy equipment necessary.

Front_Runner

Hmmm... I'm a little disappointed at some of these comments. I totallly hear what they're saying - but I don't think reaching out for suggestions to improve, only to get lectured and told they're just not trying hard enough is supportive. Anyway... it CAN be tough to fit in a workout - but there are ways you can do it. A few suggestions that might help you get on your way:

* Walk more where ever you're going. Take the stairs, not the elevators. If you have to drive to go somewhere - park far away from the enterence (Bruce Lee used to say this - and I swear by it). If you can take a bicycle to the store, or to run your errands - do it. It actually saves me time to ride my bike, as there's less traffic! Things like this allow you to get a "workout" in while getting things done.
* Work a regular 9 - 5ish type of job? You are entitled to a lunch break - take it! ) Allow yourself 20 mins of that break to go for a brisk walk. I used to zip up and down the stairs at our hospital. If you can get outside, watch your watch and go out for 10 mins, turn around and come back. If you can devote 30 mins of your break - try that! Even if it's just 3Xs/week to start.
* Do you have a iPod or some kind of Outlook Calendar? Schedule 20 - 30 mins 3X/week for exercise to start. Hold that time sacred like you would a meeting, a doc's appointment, or something like that. If someone asks you to do something during your exercise time, you can just say "I have a 30 min commitment at that time," and don't give it up!
* Get all your workout clothes (shoes, sox, bra, outfit, etc.) ready before you go to bed. Take the time to organize your stuff and either pack it in your car, or put it by your door (like I do). That way - when you get a moment - you can just grab your stuff and go! I find when I'm swamped, but suddenly get 40 mins... I will scramble to get my stuff together - which ends up wasting 10 - 20 mins! Organizing helps a lot!
* Lastly - work out DVDs and videos may help, too. There are a lot with a variety of lengths.

Hope that helps! They are right in that you can get a workout in if you really want it... BUT sometimes we have to get a little creative. Once you start fitting it in - you'll crave the workout! ) Good luck, and great job joining MFP and getting it done!

Cheers!

blondejillie

From WOMEN'S HEALTH MAGl
You can also get a total-body workout, totally without any gear. Do these body-weight moves twice a week, completing the recommended sets and reps with perfect form.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/no-equipment-required-workout

mcrmsi77

Hmmm... I'm a little disappointed at some of these comments. I totallly hear what they're saying - but I don't think reaching out for suggestions to improve, only to get lectured and told they're just not trying hard enough is supportive. Anyway... it CAN be tough to fit in a workout - but there are ways you can do it. A few suggestions that might help you get on your way:

* Walk more where ever you're going. Take the stairs, not the elevators. If you have to drive to go somewhere - park far away from the enterence (Bruce Lee used to say this - and I swear by it). If you can take a bicycle to the store, or to run your errands - do it. It actually saves me time to ride my bike, as there's less traffic! Things like this allow you to get a "workout" in while getting things done.
* Work a regular 9 - 5ish type of job? You are entitled to a lunch break - take it! ) Allow yourself 20 mins of that break to go for a brisk walk. I used to zip up and down the stairs at our hospital. If you can get outside, watch your watch and go out for 10 mins, turn around and come back. If you can devote 30 mins of your break - try that! Even if it's just 3Xs/week to start.
* Do you have a iPod or some kind of Outlook Calendar? Schedule 20 - 30 mins 3X/week for exercise to start. Hold that time sacred like you would a meeting, a doc's appointment, or something like that. If someone asks you to do something during your exercise time, you can just say "I have a 30 min commitment at that time," and don't give it up!
* Get all your workout clothes (shoes, sox, bra, outfit, etc.) ready before you go to bed. Take the time to organize your stuff and either pack it in your car, or put it by your door (like I do). That way - when you get a moment - you can just grab your stuff and go! I find when I'm swamped, but suddenly get 40 mins... I will scramble to get my stuff together - which ends up wasting 10 - 20 mins! Organizing helps a lot!
* Lastly - work out DVDs and videos may help, too. There are a lot with a variety of lengths.

Hope that helps! They are right in that you can get a workout in if you really want it... BUT sometimes we have to get a little creative. Once you start fitting it in - you'll crave the workout! ) Good luck, and great job joining MFP and getting it done!

Cheers!

I was thinking the same thing! I get what they are saying but most everyone has been a little harsh rather than helpful. It does seem like there is not many hours in the day but you might have to give something up to make time for exercise. And it will prolly be something that you really enjoy like the time you spend on the computer or watching tv. But in the end you will feel so much better and you will prolly even like it better than what you end up giving up. There are also a lot of things on the net that give you ideas for exercises that help burn lots of calories but dont take a whole bunch of time. Look up interval training and resistance exercises! The thing I like is 30 minute circuit training you burn majors calories and get a great work out in just 30 minutes I hope this helps!!!!

Helloitsdan

I had to get up an hour early to get my workouts in.
It only takes 20-40 mins to do them 3 times a week!

It isnt rocket surgery!

roadworthy

15 minutes running on the spot + 15 minutes of dancing to some great tunes = 30 minutes of cardio:)

wreath7

just walk everywhere and take the long way when you can. i know it can be hard but if you make changes and stick with them, it will really help in the long run. especially eating.

also don't be dismayed by the lack of support in this supportive community.

(on another note, it's dumb when people use these threads as a place to be self-righteous about how great they are when they just want to hear themselves complain about the complaining of others. this is a community and it's supposed to be supportive. or maybe we should start a thread where we can complain about how we hate complaining in threads?)

dvisser1

When I started cleaning up my life and bad habits about 11 months ago, my only exercise consisted of 30-45 minutes of walking my dog everyday. I lost my first 20 lbs doing just that.

Tony Horton, the trainer who put together P90X, has a 10 Minute trainer program that is all about circuit training. I haven't tried it. My point is it's possible to put together a calorie burning exercise program in 10-15 minutes a day. Everyone is busy. You have to make yourself a priority in your life and make time.

W0zzie

As with many of us that was my excuse too just over 12months ago but if you really want it you will find a way and for me it ended up being a no-brainer. I exercise - I get energized - more energy - more time for me. So the 45-60mins exercise I now do per day has paid dividends in at least that for the extra energy it gives me.

As to what - I finally found XBox Kinect is what has kept my interest. It's convenient, private and fun - hence I keep doing it. Find your "whatever" that is convenient & fun and fulfills so that you will "want" to keep doing it.

Captain_Tightpants

The key is to get addicted to exercising, then you'll find yourself making it the priority of your schedule rather than that annoying thing you have to fit in between everything else.

OneChanceOneLife

Unless you are in investment banking or other profession that requires crazy hours where working 80-100 hour weeks and commuting another couple of hours a day to work everyday is the norm, you can make time for working out. Even if you have crazy hours like that you can always chose the stairs instead of elevator, park further away from the building, get some desk exercise appliances, etc. You can always chose to eat healthily and on weekends there really is no excuse.

HeavenLeAngel127

Hey! Im new to MFP and need help on how to fit exercise into my already packed schedule. Any ideas?

jillian michaels 30 day shred... actually workout is about 22 minutes with a one minute warm up and cool down.... takes 30 days and you see awesome results as long as you do it.... Love it cause I don't stick with a workout over 30 minutes very well...

Search 30ds pics and be ready to be in awe..

I have bad focus and I have been able to stick with this.... day 19 and I have more energy throughout the day so I actually get more done now... plus I'm looking pretty great if I'm going to toot my own horn

Coolhand1969

I couldn't ever find the time. Then one day I decided enough was enough, and I would join our workplace gym, get up an hour earlier a day, and start going every day before work. Now that I've done that for several months, I find myself occasionally also skipping a lunch to head to the gym (something that I wouldn't even contemplate before). Find your motivation and carve out a few minutes a day somewhere to get going.

ataylo30

I don't know what your life consists of but these are some things my conditioning coordinator told me where I work (at a school): run around your desk before/after every piece of work you do...do leg lifts between meetings. stand up when you are on the phone. take the stairs, pick your kids up like you are in the gym...from dead lift on the floor to above yor head (watch your back). make sure you are moving every second of your day. We are all busy and feel like we are constantly on the go. Take stock of when you sit...and when you sit...stand up. Hope this helps...

iuangina

Hmmm... I'm a little disappointed at some of these comments. I totallly hear what they're saying - but I don't think reaching out for suggestions to improve, only to get lectured and told they're just not trying hard enough is supportive. Anyway... it CAN be tough to fit in a workout - but there are ways you can do it. A few suggestions that might help you get on your way:

* Walk more where ever you're going. Take the stairs, not the elevators. If you have to drive to go somewhere - park far away from the enterence (Bruce Lee used to say this - and I swear by it). If you can take a bicycle to the store, or to run your errands - do it. It actually saves me time to ride my bike, as there's less traffic! Things like this allow you to get a "workout" in while getting things done.
* Work a regular 9 - 5ish type of job? You are entitled to a lunch break - take it! ) Allow yourself 20 mins of that break to go for a brisk walk. I used to zip up and down the stairs at our hospital. If you can get outside, watch your watch and go out for 10 mins, turn around and come back. If you can devote 30 mins of your break - try that! Even if it's just 3Xs/week to start.
* Do you have a iPod or some kind of Outlook Calendar? Schedule 20 - 30 mins 3X/week for exercise to start. Hold that time sacred like you would a meeting, a doc's appointment, or something like that. If someone asks you to do something during your exercise time, you can just say "I have a 30 min commitment at that time," and don't give it up!
* Get all your workout clothes (shoes, sox, bra, outfit, etc.) ready before you go to bed. Take the time to organize your stuff and either pack it in your car, or put it by your door (like I do). That way - when you get a moment - you can just grab your stuff and go! I find when I'm swamped, but suddenly get 40 mins... I will scramble to get my stuff together - which ends up wasting 10 - 20 mins! Organizing helps a lot!
* Lastly - work out DVDs and videos may help, too. There are a lot with a variety of lengths.

Hope that helps! They are right in that you can get a workout in if you really want it... BUT sometimes we have to get a little creative. Once you start fitting it in - you'll crave the workout! ) Good luck, and great job joining MFP and getting it done!

Cheers!

I was thinking the same thing! I get what they are saying but most everyone has been a little harsh rather than helpful. It does seem like there is not many hours in the day but you might have to give something up to make time for exercise. And it will prolly be something that you really enjoy like the time you spend on the computer or watching tv. But in the end you will feel so much better and you will prolly even like it better than what you end up giving up. There are also a lot of things on the net that give you ideas for exercises that help burn lots of calories but dont take a whole bunch of time. Look up interval training and resistance exercises! The thing I like is 30 minute circuit training you burn majors calories and get a great work out in just 30 minutes I hope this helps!!!!

I was thinking the same thing. I didn't take this as a post of trying to make an excuse rather than trying to come up with some ideas. I multitask which works for me. I watch sports while on the treadmill. I run with the dog, so he gets his walk. My husband and I have worked out a schedule so each of us gets at least 2 nights during week at the gym (I go M, W. He goes T, R). If you have an ipod/iphone, there are tons of free circuit training options out there. Feel free to friend me and I may have some other suggestions. I have an 8 month old, so it's not always easy to go to the gym.