Finding it hard to exercise more than three days a week

TimeFourMe

I would like to get a workout in at least four days a week. Finding it hard. Anyone else trying to increase their fitness levels? I am doing Zumba on Mondays at the gym. Treadmill at my in-laws on Tuesdays. Personal Trainer on Thursdays. My two kids and housework, errands take up the rest. Looking forward to cooler weather in Nov to go outside and walk. What works for you all? Anyone want to be a fitness friend and keep each other accountable?

Determinednoob

3 days per week is enough for me right now

meshashesha2012

3 days is enough just make those 3 days count and make sure you're pushing yourself. for instance on the treadmill you can do intervals instead of steady state cardio. so for 2 minutes walk normally then for a minute crank up the speed and the incline and work harder.

jennifermaffei17

You're telling me you don't have an additional 20 minutes to do circuit training?
Jillian Michaels 30DS dvd would work well for you, she has other dvds that are 20-30minutes long as well.

pikselinka

If you work hard enough during these three workouts it will make as much difference as someone who does bit more, as you get days of rest in between that let body recover.

TheRealParisLove

If that's all you can squeeze in, that's enough. Personally, I feel better and more sane exercising 5-7days a week, but only do weight lifting 2-3 times a week. The rest of the time it's things like dog walking or riding my bike to do errands.

I'll be your fitness friend. It's sounds like you must live in the South or Southwest if it is too hot to walk outdoors. I have friends and relatives in Phoenix, AZ and could never live there year round. I go bonkers spending too much time indoors and the summers are just too hot to spend much time outside.

swonn

Since school restarted and I accepted a long term substitute position, I'm finding it very difficult to exercise more than 3 days a week. This assignment lasts only 3 1/2 more weeks so maybe then I can get back to at least 4 days. I miss riding my bike daily. :sad:

TimeFourMe

I don't have a treadmill in my home so isn't always an option. I do push it when I do workout. Too hard sometimes because my heart rate goes too high. That will improve as I get into better shape. I'd live to do a Zumba class everyday but that's just not possible.

TimeFourMe

I've heard they are hard. Not at her fitness level yet. I know I need to put in a video. I will check some out
at the library to try before I buy

TimeFourMe

Thumbs up! My trainer wants me to get another cardio day in. This month I'm going to try hard to get it in. I want to be on good shape like NOW. Gonna take work! Ned the encouragement.

TimeFourMe

If that's all you can squeeze in, that's enough. Personally, I feel better and more sane exercising 5-7days a week, but only do weight lifting 2-3 times a week. The rest of the time it's things like dog walking or riding my bike to do errands.

I'll be your fitness friend. It's sounds like you must live in the South or Southwest if it is too hot to walk outdoors. I have friends and relatives in Phoenix, AZ and could never live there year round. I go bonkers spending too much time indoors and the summers are just too hot to spend much time outside.

MrsWilsoncroft

Feel free to add me if you want a buddy
I've just started the 30 day shred challenge here is the group if u want to join it

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/8031-30-day-shred-sept-1st

ChrisStoney

If you make it a priority it will happen, if it is something you have to do.... if you can find the time then it probably won't happen.

Sometimes there are more important things than exercise, but you can still eat right!

TimeFourMe

Thank you!! I live in TX but am a WI girl at heart. Miss the chIll in the air. . Thanks for everyone's encouragement. Just talking about it gets me going. Made me get in my year and workout.

fairestthings

You didn't mention if you work (outside of the home)? I'm a SAHM and I still find it hard to maintain a 4+ day workout week!

All I can say is perhaps, if you have the time when you do work out, make those workouts longer. Push longer and you'll end up burning the same amount of calories. Of course now if you really get into the logistics of it, it's better for your metabolism if you're revving it up almsot every day, but if you completely cannot do it, then that's fine. This is about what works for you and your lifestyle, not the ideals others set.

When I can't get a real workout in, even if I can't log it, I will use bathroom breaks as short calisthentic routines LOL. Do calf raises in the shower/brushing teeth. Do 50 squats before every meal. if you use a microwave throughout the week, use those few seconds or minutes to squeeze in jumping jacks. My bathroom break usualyl consists of push ups on the counter, squats, calf raises and if I have more time lunges and even sit ups.

You could incorporate small calisthentics throughout your day (before bed, before or after each meal) just to help boost the metabolism and add more strength.

Eventually though, if you actually want more cardio throughout the week, it may come to just having to tell something else in your life "no" for 1 hour I've had to do that and it's very hard!

tmauck4472

I'm anywhere from 4 to 6 times a week depending on how I feel about it that day.

goldfinger88

It's the quality of exercise, not the quantity that develops muscle, strength and endurance. I do very short but intense exercises and they only last about ten minutes. I sometimes only do two or three a week. I suggest you read The Smarter Science of Slim to get an idea of what really works.

wgn4166

Denise Austin has a workout DVD called 12 Moves in 12 Minutes. I do this when I don't have an hour to exercise.

TimeFourMe

:happy:

When I can't get a real workout in, even if I can't log it, I will use bathroom breaks as short calisthentic routines LOL. Do calf raises in the shower/brushing teeth. Do 50 squats before every meal. if you use a microwave throughout the week, use those few seconds or minutes to squeeze in jumping jacks. My bathroom break usualyl consists of push ups on the counter, squats, calf raises and if I have more time lunges and even sit ups.

Good suggestions. I had to laugh because I am a SAHM and bathroom breaks are precious and often interrupted. Thank you for your encouragement. I will try to be more creative.

TimeFourMe

Thank you all or your ideas and positive comments!!!

LCgymnast

I think 3 days a week is good. Keep in mind that doing other simple activites can also help with weight loss. If you want to do more, try picking something that is really fun and different like dancing. Put the music on and dance around for a bit. It's fun!