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We’re all guilty of making excuses when it comes to our health or diet. Life has got busier and finding the time to balance work, children, family and friends is already incredibly tough, so adding an exercise routine to the mix might leave you feeling strung out. Sometimes you get to the end of the day, and you want to flop on the sofa and stay put.
If you find yourself coming up with dozens of reasons you don’t have time to get fit or you are lacking in motivation to start moving, here are a few ways you can add a routine to your life without compromising on other areas.
Trying to exercise at the end of the day is a big mistake for anyone who isn’t already a passionate fitness addict. When all our chores for the day are finished, we want to end the day doing something we love. So heading out for a run or hitting the gym isn’t high on many peoples desires. The morning is the very best time to get up and bust out a quick HIIT routine. You don’t have to do this for long. Just 30 minutes of exercise will help set your mind up for the day. Try getting straight out of bed and putting on some music. Do a few sets that include a high jump, press-ups, squats and running on the spot. Put as much effort as you can into each exercise for 1 minute, then move onto the next one. Try not to rest in between as the different forms of exercise will target different areas, meaning you have time to recover before starting your routine again. This will set you up for the day and will help focus your mind. Plus you will have a massive feel-good factor knowing that you’ve already completed your exercise for the day.
At work, stop taking the elevator and start taking the stairs. Put in the maximum effort as you stride up to your office. You could even increase this to taking two steps at once. Ban yourself from the lift from now on. Over time you will start to feel a little fitter and your leg and bum will benefit from all the extra work you are putting in. Alongside this, try walking or cycling to your office. If that isn’t possible, then park further away from your building and walk some extra steps.
Make family time, exercise time. Instead of staying at home, grab your bikes and hit the local trail centre. Mountain biking is an incredible all-over exercise which works all of your major muscle groups. You can do this as a family, and it won’t feel like you are working out, however, if you are putting effort in you will be reaping the benefits while enjoying your time with the kids. Alternatively, you could go swimming, which is a low impact sport. The kids will have a fantastic time, and you can tone and improve your body. It could be a good idea to book swimming lessons for the children so that you can do some lane swimming. Giving you an hour to focus on your overall health and wellbeing while they enjoy the water and learn some new skills.
Don’t forget you don’t need a dog to get up and out for a regular walk. Taking a stroll in the morning will get your heart rate up and help to increase the oxygen you take in, which can make you feel more positive and ready for the day. You can increase your pace and stride length to get more benefit as your fitness levels improve. You could even look into local speed walking clubs and get some of your friends involved. Instead of meeting up in the local bar, you can speed walk your way around the park and catch up on all the latest news from their lives.
Exercise doesn’t have to be boring, and it doesn’t need to take up too much time in your day, so work out ways of increasing your daily routine. Wake up a little earlier in the morning and find ways of starting your day with something fun. Build up slowly and get creative; the only rule is to get your heart pumping and keep moving. Get friends and family involved too so you can multitask and stay in touch with everyone. Not only will you improve your health, but you will create some great memories too!
