How do you find time?

I've always worked, and worked out. When I was in college, working, graduate school, had two little kids, and when I had them grow up and leave letting me feel really lazy since I'd been working out for 40 years. I work full time, have worked out with jogging, gyms, home rower, home treadmill, home stair master, workout DVDs, weights, and currently 30-40 min in the morning watching the news before work at 6:30 on a stationary bike. I'm 62. You just need to prioritize it. I mostly jogged, for about 40 years, but the machines and others came into my life based on time constraints and injuries.

smitss01 wrote: »

If you work full time, are in school, and have other after work obligations, how do you find time to work out? I need some ideas for quick and effective exercises.

There is no magic answer. You have to decide your health is a priority and make the time.

I read some of my textbooks while I walk on the treadmill at the gym (I wear foam earplugs). It's not the greatest exercise, but I can burn about 250 calories in an hour.

Exercise early because you are more likely to be tired later in the day. You can also do 10 minutes at a time throughout the day instead of setting aside an hour.

Walk or ride a bike to work
Take the stairs
Park the car far away and walk
Carry your groceries out of the store instead of using a cart
Take mini breaks at work to do a few squats and planks and flexibility exercises.
Jog in place
Turn off the TV and go for a run around the block.

You make time. An hour workout is 4% of the day. If you want to you'll find a way. If I'm super busy I try to see what I can consolidate and what I can cut time by being more efficient. Or ill squeeze 5-10 min mini workouts in throughout the day. Like before showers squats, wall sits, and jumping jacks. Stretching in the shower. Commercial break workouts. I always park far from the store. Do some bicep curls and lifts with your groceries.

I work 60-ish hours at job number one and about 20 at job number two. I work out most days of the week after work M-F and usually both weekend days.

I change at work and go to 90 minute Ashtanga yoga twice a week, do cardio at the gym twice a week and then on Friday nights I lift.

Sat and Sunday are two more yoga classes, both 90 minutes. My friends know I don't usually go out after work and we hang on the weekends.

My health and fitness are a priority. Plus the yoga somehow keeps my tension headaches at bay.

You have to choose it or it's not going to happen.

you just have to push yourself into making time I finish work and go gym and although it means I don't get home till gone 7pm some nights (and it drives my wife crazy lol) you end up feeling good because even though you are tired from work you pushed yourself and got your workout in anyway

Life used to be exhausting for me until I started working out. Once I started working out I don't need to find the time I make the time because I feel great afterwards. There are plenty of workouts to suit just about anyone's constraints. My friend does bodyweight exercises while watching tv after work. I go to the gym before class. My fiancee was an au pair and did aerobics and calisthenics while the kid was napping or watching tv.

The great thing about working out is it can be done anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Just keep progressing with whatever you do. I can add weight to the bar. My friend did pushups from his knees, then full two handed, then one handed, you get the idea.

I have 3 jobs (one permanent, 2 freelance), 3 kids, 2 dogs, 1 blog and a husband. I'm a school governor and chair of a charity.

I find time.

The two classes I do are in evenings when my husband is home with the kids and dogs (he's not always home but I've asked that he be home those two nights). Both classes are an hour and only a 5 minute drive away. My sister comes with me - that really helps.

My time at the gym is on weekends when my kids are at their own sporting activities and my husband is at work or playing rugby. Or it's in lunch breaks when I'm working from home without meetings.

I'm busy. But I can find those few hours. When I worked in an office I used to go for a half hour jog some lunch times. Pre-kids I'd jog before breakfast and go to gym after work - wouldn't work for me now but doesn't mean I do nothing.

It's bespoke to your own life, your schedule, the facilities available to you and the sports/classes you prefer.

A friend of mine was always moaning about her weight. She likes swimming and is good at it so that's what she does now. I'd hate it but it fits her life.

I think with any new activity, you have to try to make the time to do it. If you're working and in school, put a block of time to the side dedicated to working out. When I was working and going for my Master's, I would go to the gym right after dinner. After a few weeks it becomes part of your routine. Not sure if this helps, but I know it seemed to work for me.

I work full time and I'm studying. Here is my daily schedule

I wake up at 4:30am.
In gym by 05:30
Workout done by 07:00 then shower and off to work.
Finish work at 16:00 then study (at work) till 18:00
Get home at 19:00 and make supper.
Spend a bit of time with the wife, food prep for the next day and in bed by 22:00

Lather, rinse repeat 4 days a week.

Not too sound too harsh but you simply have to just make time. I work full time and i have a 3 year old son and a fiance. I get up at 5 AM every morning to get to get gym and work out before i go to work. Doing this allows me to not miss out on any family time. I actually have come to love my morning work outs!.