Not enough time for exercise.

azazelrabbit

How it is for me:

Wake up 7AM - Get ready - Leave house at 8.20AM
Out until 4.30PM
Working at home after 4.30PM ... varying levels, could take me all night.
Gotta squeeze in dinner, shower, relaxing time etc.
Bed at 11PM.

I find that really I don't have enough time to get in that much exercise.
I see some of you doing a couple of hours every day and I'm like... what?! I barely get an hour.
I don't have any home equipment, nor the money to buy them.
No, I don't have a gym.

Essentially, my options include walking... and running. But we're crossing out running because it absolutely buggers my knees.

There is a hill I can walk up (taking an hour), or down the beach.
But this isn't a lot of exercise, or even a huge calorie burner.
And, the weather round here is often raining. Today was good but I didn't have the time to get out. Yesterday was raining even though I did have time. It sucks.

Is there any way I can resolve this?

I had to allow my calories to increase because I was constantly hungry just eating 1200 calories and I couldn't always get out to burn calories.Cals are now set at 1620, and I'm still pretty hungry.

Any thoughts?
Gracias x

palmerig88

My cals are 1580 feel free to look at my food diary I don't feel hungry also I got startedby youtubing exercise vids like Taebo etc

behind_blue_eyes_83

Walking is awesome. Anyway you can commute by foot or bike? I get three miles walking a day that way, and it only takes me half an hour to walk the 1.5 miles to work - I could spend that long on the bus if one doesn't come and the traffic's bad. Also I have no money, so bought EA Active Sports 2 for the PS3 for about £10 on Amazon - if you don't have a console, I know there are good DVDs that have similar programmes.

ThePinkPachyderm

Time is an illusion ... lunch time ... doubly so

adamb83

I'm NOT a morning person - but I'm also a very busy person. Basically out the door by 8am and not back home until sometimes after 8pm.

The solution? Get up earlier in the morning. I get up an hour earlier and do my workout in the morning. Not only does this guarantee that my workout for the day is done - but it also kick-starts my metabolism every day and allows me to actually leave my day without stress, because I don't have to worry about exercising when I get home from work (and know I'll be tired and probably not do it - which adds more stress/pressure/depression).

So, yeah, it sucks - but make yourself wake up earlier and get it done.

As far as what exercises? There are plenty of workouts you can create for yourself without having equipment - and with or without a t.v. (if you could do workout DVDs at home, that'd be helpful).

Jumping Jacks, Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, Squats, Burpees, various Core and Ab workouts, shadow boxing, etc.

There's always time and there are always things to do - just gotta commit to it! Good luck!

azazelrabbit

Walking is awesome. Anyway you can commute by foot or bike? I get three miles walking a day that way, and it only takes me half an hour to walk the 1.5 miles to work - I could spend that long on the bus if one doesn't come and the traffic's bad. Also I have no money, so bought EA Active Sports 2 for the PS3 for about £10 on Amazon - if you don't have a console, I know there are good DVDs that have similar programmes.

I do walk, but it's only about 15 minutes 0.7 miles each way. I don't actually include that in my burned calories :P

I thought about a fitness DVD but I live with other people and I would be so embarrassed

Im_NotPerfect

I've recently started getting up early in the mornings to get exercise time in. I just can't do it at night with 2 kids (one who is constantly in some sport or another). Even if I can get a 1/2 hour in, it's better than doing nothing. I have a Wii and I have just some regular Tae Bo DVDs. I've never been a gym buff (mainly because I just don't know what to DO there), so I always just get a DVD or two to do at home.

azazelrabbit

The solution? Get up earlier in the morning. I get up an hour earlier and do my workout in the morning. Not only does this guarantee that my workout for the day is done - but it also kick-starts my metabolism every day and allows me to actually leave my day without stress, because I don't have to worry about exercising when I get home from work (and know I'll be tired and probably not do it - which adds more stress/pressure/depression).

So, yeah, it sucks - but make yourself wake up earlier and get it done.

Actually, I hadn't thought of an early morning walk.
That's a good idea. Assuming I can drag myself out of bed haha.
I'll look into that one.

thepetiterunner

Honestly, "not enough time for exercise" is equivocal to "I don't prioritize this enough". Sorry to be straightforward, but those who want to find a way, will. Those who don't want to, won't. I know, because that is the same excuse I used to use all the time.

Try to shoot for bed earlier and squeeze in an early morning workout. I get up at 4-4:30 am to get a run/gym session in before work. Go for a walk on your lunch break. Make time on the weekends for exercise.

As far as food choices, you can find more filling, fiber and protein rich foods. You can look at my diary to see what I tend to eat if you like.

Make a commitment to getting healthy. Don't accept excuses. Make working out/exercising a big of a commitment as your job.

Clarecbear82

I have to second the YouTube idea I only have a mobile for the internet but they work great on it oh and if you have a smart phone you can get some workout apps even the 5min workouts are better than nothing.

mung222

i'm in the same boat. I have work from 8-430pm then i have my 7 month old son until 10pm when his father gets home from work and by that time i'm ready for bed. My son is going through a needy stage right now and wants me all the time. I sometimes can put him in his bouncer but it's usually for like a half hour. I too look at these people who exercise for hours and am like "how?"

adamb83

As far as what exercises? There are plenty of workouts you can create for yourself without having equipment - and with or without a t.v. (if you could do workout DVDs at home, that'd be helpful).

Jumping Jacks, Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, Squats, Burpees, various Core and Ab workouts, shadow boxing, etc.

There's always time and there are always things to do - just gotta commit to it! Good luck!

azazelrabbit

I have to second the YouTube idea I only have a mobile for the internet but they work great on it oh and if you have a smart phone you can get some workout apps even the 5min workouts are better than nothing.

So there are downloadable Apps with workouts on them? That sounds good!

kandi810

Look at the group called "Cubicle Jockeys". I am in your shoes but find that if I can kind of follow her groove all day I have at least accomplished something. It takes a small amount of time every hour. You can do it!

daffodilsoup

Where are you "out" to until 4:30 - do you have a lunch break where you could take walks or do a short high-intensity workout? Not sure what kind of work you do at home, but could you look for a treadmill on Craigslist and walk while you get some work done? Also, there are always cheap DVDs on Ebay, etc.

It's going to sound harsh, but you have to make time, or make excuses. Everyone is busy - it's up to you to figure out how to arrange your schedule so you have time.

roadworthy

I am a stay at home mom so I do have the time to get workouts in most days. Some days I am extremely busy and feel I dont have it. Those days I put my ipod on and start by jogging on the spot, soon I am dancing, doing jumping jacks, scrunches etc. You would be amazed at how many calories you burn just by giving it your all for a short time. I wear my polar HRM, if you do not have one let sweat and your heart thumping good be your guide:)

azazelrabbit

It's not that I'm not willing to exercise. I really am!
I just couldn't think of how to do it.

Thanks guys, these suggestions are brilliant!

maab_connor

I'm NOT a morning person - but I'm also a very busy person. Basically out the door by 8am and not back home until sometimes after 8pm.

The solution? Get up earlier in the morning. I get up an hour earlier and do my workout in the morning. Not only does this guarantee that my workout for the day is done - but it also kick-starts my metabolism every day and allows me to actually leave my day without stress, because I don't have to worry about exercising when I get home from work (and know I'll be tired and probably not do it - which adds more stress/pressure/depression).

So, yeah, it sucks - but make yourself wake up earlier and get it done.

As far as what exercises? There are plenty of workouts you can create for yourself without having equipment - and with or without a t.v. (if you could do workout DVDs at home, that'd be helpful).

Jumping Jacks, Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, Squats, Burpees, various Core and Ab workouts, shadow boxing, etc.

There's always time and there are always things to do - just gotta commit to it! Good luck!

This.

and in bad weather, i turn on the computer and find workouts on youtube and/or do C25K in place. i work two jobs. i work 6 days a week. and i work out 6 days a week.

ckitterman

You could buy a Kettlebell and do an intense 20 min workout and burn quite a few calories.

mlb929

You had time to post on the internet .

Just saying.

kitkatwag

I use a few options. I saved several Zumba videos on UTube and have played them. That didnt cost me any $$. I also bought a Wii Fit, provided you already have a Wii that was about $100. As I have a desk job, when I am really desperate, I simulate running or biking under my desk. I set a timer and count is as stationary bike very light. Just thoughts on what I do.

nichole325

Honestly, "not enough time for exercise" is equivocal to "I don't prioritize this enough". Sorry to be straightforward, but those who want to find a way, will. Those who don't want to, won't. I know, because that is the same excuse I used to use all the time.

Try to shoot for bed earlier and squeeze in an early morning workout. I get up at 4-4:30 am to get a run/gym session in before work. Go for a walk on your lunch break. Make time on the weekends for exercise.

As far as food choices, you can find more filling, fiber and protein rich foods. You can look at my diary to see what I tend to eat if you like.

Make a commitment to getting healthy. Don't accept excuses. Make working out/exercising a big of a commitment as your job.

^ I agree with this absolutely 100% no doubt about it. There is always enough time and if it is a priority to you, you WILL make time.

minkakross

exercising has become my relaxation time. It seems like just one more thing I had to plan in my day at first but after about a week I realized it was meditative and I was sleeping better than I had in years. I still have no time to exercise like you I am busy from the moment my alarm rings until late into the night but really I don't mind making time in hind sight.

hkasel

-buy a $10 dvd such as 30 day shred. It only takes 28 min and is a great calorie burn. You can either wake up a little earlier than 7am or cut out some of your *relax time you mentioned.

- go for a walk on your lunch break

ChelleDJM

I'm out the door by 6AM to get to the gym and I would go earlier, but hubby goes a 5AM. That's the only time we can do it. He works quite a bit and I stay home with kids. You just have to make it work. I joined a gym not too far away from my house and it's only $10/month for each of us. WORTH IT.

Kitadiva2

My suggestion is that you add in lifting weights. If you lift weights you will build muscle and burn more fat even when you are not consciously trying to do so. I am taking a personal health class and the idea is that if you are doing 2 hrs and 30 minutes a week you are doing what you should to get to healthy - I think - I would have to check that if you are doing 3.5 -5 hours a week that now you are entering the weight loss zone. If you are exercising and hour a day I think you are probably doing plenty but want to lose more faster. Weight that comes off slow tends to stay off. Take it easy on yourself :happy:

beccci91

That 'relaxing time'...exercise is a GREAT relaxer...you will have time in there your mind just doesn't want to find it

amuhlou

An hour is usually the max time I work out on any given day, and most of the time it's more like 45-50 minutes including warm-up.

25-30 minutes a day (5ish days a week) is a great amount to shoot for. I think most people could find that amount of time in their day, even if it takes a little rearranging. When I started my weight loss journey, 25-30 minutes was PLENTY for me to burn cals and lose weight.

If you plan your dinners, you might be able to find a few moments to work out while dinner is cooking. For example, if your dinner doesn't require a lot of active cooking (such as a crock pot meal, or something baked/simmered), you could get your workout in while dinner is going. I have occasionally done a workout DVD in my living room while dinner is on the stove in the adjoined kitchen.

maura1110

Honestly, "not enough time for exercise" is equivocal to "I don't prioritize this enough". Sorry to be straightforward, but those who want to find a way, will. Those who don't want to, won't. I know, because that is the same excuse I used to use all the time.

Try to shoot for bed earlier and squeeze in an early morning workout. I get up at 4-4:30 am to get a run/gym session in before work. Go for a walk on your lunch break. Make time on the weekends for exercise.

EXACTLY!! Trust me, I have been there wth every excuse in the book. I commute 2 hours each way every day and work 9-5 and still come home and run every night after work. I'm exhausted but I do it anyway.
If you have time for "relaxing time" at night, you have time for a workout. Sure, it may not be as enjoyable as relaxing time but if you want it, you'll do it! Or get up half an hour earlier or stay up half an hour later.. 7.5 hours of sleep a night isn't bad.

If you want something badly enough you will make time for it!

dirtbikegirl5

No one really has time. You have to make the time. I get up at 5:00 am and work out. Right now I am doing the 30 Day Shred. It is a 20 minute video. I will do something else in a few weeks when that is complete. I also use weights, do extra situps, squats, lunges, whatever I can get in. Sometimes the work out is 25 minutes and sometimes it is 45 minutes or an hour. After that, I shower, get myself ready, get my kids ready, get my husband out to work and I am out the door by 7:40. I work until 5, get home at 6, come home, make lunches, dinner and I am on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. I don't do a ton of exercise but I do what I can fit in. I know you can do it, too.
I don't go to a gym because I don't have time and I won't pay the money. You can get a few weights - just a set for now and a $10 video just to start out. I would not recommend JM's 30 day shred since you have knee problems. You need some kind of low impact video.
I know you can do this. Give it a try.

ChelleDJM

you also said you wake up and 7 and are not out the door until 8:20...that's a big amount of time. Even if you woke up and did a few reps of pushups, jogging in place, etc for 20 minutes before you hit the shower, that would be something.