Sunday, January 13, 2013

Workout Tip: Working In Your Workouts

So, you've decided you're going to start working out. You made that New Year's Resolution. Now, less than two weeks into 2013 you've stopped altogether.

Your excuse: I don't have time.


But, do you really not have the time?


If you went to college, you may remember covering Time Management during your required Freshman Orientation course. If you didn't go to college, then maybe you have heard of the tips I am about to give. Either way, these are what I have found help in fitting your workouts into your busy life.

1. Find something you enjoy doing

There's an old saying that if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. I think the same thing applies to exercise. If you find a workout or sport that you love to do, you'll never workout a day in your life. And don't worry if you don't find something you love immediately. Just try things until you you do. Remember that if you haven't worked out in a very long time (or ever), you will be uncomfortable the next day. If you do, ask yourself if you want to do the same thing again today. If your answer is "Yes", then you have found something and you should stick with it.

2. Chart out your schedule

Using Excel or Word or your other favorite office productivity application, chart out your regular schedule, minus your workouts (work schedule, school schedule, getting kids to/from school, etc.). Since it is recommended to do at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, chart it out in 30 minute increments. Also, make sure you chart time for things like when you go to bed, wake up, eat, and any travel time.

See any empty space? If you have one block open, you have time for a workout. If you don't see any empty space, then maybe it's time to consider living on Centaurian Time.

Or owning a DeLorean.

Or a TaRDiS.

Or a Time-Turner.

Or be in possession of some Red Matter.

OK, I'll stop now.


3. Treat your workout like it was your job or school

You wouldn't skip out on work or school unless you were too sick to do so (right?), so don't skip out on your workouts unless your body tells you to (sick, pain, etc.). And, remember, "feeling sore" is not pain. Pain is pain. So, in the schedule you setup with the previous tip, fill in your times that you will commit to working out. Set an alarm on your phone for your workouts if it will help. Remember, that you don't have to commit to working out every single day to start; 3-4 days a week is a good start. You have at least 2 days off at your job (hopefully), so you only have to find 1-2 more days left to schedule.

4. Find like-minded individuals to help old you accountable.

Used to be that you had to join a gym to get support and accountability for your workout regimen.Then groups like Weight Watchers came along and you met once a week or month to chart your progress. Now, with the Internet, these resources are limitless! You can now:

- join an email list
- find a group on Meetup
- join fitness-related websites (Lose It, Endomondo, etc.)
- post your progress on Facebook or Twitter or any other social networking site
- join a site related directly to the program you are doing

These all provide a circle of people you can connect with and, as a result, hold each other accountable. And, if you're lucky, you make a few awesome friends along the way.

I hope these tips help set you on your way. Next week, I'll talk about a tool that is more useful in changing your diet than you may think: the crock pot. I'll see you on Friday.