Fitting in a workout as a working professional.

Get a new job, those hours suck!

If you're pushed for time, you'll want max impact/calorie burn in minimal time... 30 day shred or insanity before leaving for work maybe?

Kettlebells will provide you with both cardio and strength. Look into Tracy Reifking - she has awesome videos on youtube. Also her book The Swing is perfect for an absolute beginner. She also has an awesome blog.

Just FYI - I use a 12kg (26lb) bell and burn ~400 cal in 30 min!

if you are starting out, you have a lot of time in the morning to do the 30 DS. start at 7 am done by 7:30 ..get ready for work...do it!

What time does your gym open? I'm at the office by 7:15am and some nights I don't leave until 8pm. I'm up at 4am and working out by 4:30 because working out after work wasn't productive for me. Maybe try mornings.

You have to find what works for you, Mornings, Evenings, or maybe a lunch break. I am not a morning person I have tried and failed many times. Evenings work best for. An hour after dinner. If your press for time do a short work out like 30 day Shred or 30 min brisk walk. Strength train on weekends

Most efficient way is for you to be active at work. Get up and walk around, carry awkward or heavy objects around. Do posture exercises, walk up the stairs in your building.

I have a desk job too, and found it really easy to let my fitness slide - then the eating habits etc.

I made myself get up early in the mornings and get to the gym by 6am. This gave me time to get back home and help get the kids ready before heading off to work (which is about 11hrs including commute time).

I am lucky enough to have a job now where I can schedule my time and work quite autonomously, so I go during lunch time. My gym is almost next door to the office so I can be out and back in under an hour.

This is an area of real interest to me, and I have seen some good results from executive coaching that have embraced physical well-being as well as professional upskilling. Taking an hour out (or even half an hour) during the day if you can, even if it is just for a walk, will most likely increase productivity and energy levels for the remainder of the day.

It's hard, but once again it is about setting priorities, and being strong. If you want some reference material to show your boss let me know.

I'll see your hours and raise you. I leave for work at 5 and get home by 7. Sometimes it's 5 am to 7 pm, and sometimes 5 pm to 7 am. I just finished my MBA while working those hours. I am a married father of 3 with a dog and a lawn. Life is busy.

I used this as an excuse for years. Ironically, going back to school and leading a busier life forced me to organize my day to survive. During that process I finally committed to improving my fitness. Now I workout at least 4-5 days per week. I typically hit the gym on the way home from work, because once I settle in, eat dinner, etc. the odds I'll work out become slim.

I thought it would suck working out after a 12+ hour workday, but I've found it invigorating. I keep my workouts around 45 minutes, but I make them count. Get in, bust your *kitten*, and get out and on with your day.

You can do it.

I more or less workout when I have time... and hired a personal trainer so I'd at least have one set workout per week.

I work 2 jobs and go to school two nights a week.. I also hate exercise DVD's, so I just do what I can and keep my calories in check.

I am up at 4:30 and working out at 5am. At work by 8. I have a desk job, professional, although I'm not sure what tat has to do with anything. You have to commit. Someone else mentioned kids, yes. It gets worse later. You have to commit and never waiver. It's not easy. If it was, everyone would be fit.

I'm having the same problem. I work 7pm til 7:30 am, usually 3 days at a time. I get home go to bed, get up 8 hrs later then get ready to go to work. On my days off it's not a problem. I try doing some activity at work every night. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Graveyard shift is tough to manage. There's always right after work or right when you wake up.

I am up at 4:30 and working out at 5am. At work by 8. I have a desk job, professional, although I'm not sure what tat has to do with anything. You have to commit. Someone else mentioned kids, yes. It gets worse later. You have to commit and never waiver. It's not easy. If it was, everyone would be fit.

PREACH

Get up earlier...I work full time, have 2 kids, and am take 2 classes at my university...you have to make time - I get up at 4 a.m....you just have to want it bad enough.

This.

I get up at or before 6 am to squeeze in a work out before the kids wake up, and I go to work at either 7:30 or 8:30 am depending on the day. Evenings are out because of the dinner and going to bed routines. What I love dong are the Firm Express videos (20 min but intense) or Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 (33 min). I also run on the weekends.

As others have said it is all about making a commitment and it only gets harder as your life gets fuller. That is why I love the success stores. I love proof of just how successful people are.

Could you possibly get a piece of cardio equipment at your place so you don't have to travel to a gym? That would save you time, too. I hate having to rush around to workout. Having some gym equipment at the house is a real time saver. I'm also more of a night person, so working out in the am is NOT my thing. I'd rather exercise at 10 at night.