Fitting Exercise Into Your Daily Schedule

By Soumaya Wilmore, CFT

When I decided some years ago that I wanted to train harder and take my workouts more seriously, the first thing I encountered was the fact that my friends did not understand.  They liked to go to the gym and socialize if they went at all.  I was constantly being pulled in another direction whenever I planned to go to the gym.  Somehow, my friends or my family would always think of something more important for me to be doing.

I went along with this for a while.  I felt guilty, even selfish to want to take time for myself when everyone seemed to need me.  But slowly as time passed I began to get a little angry.  What was so wrong with wanting a little “me” time? So I put my foot down and announced to everyone that from noon until 1:15pm I would not be available because it was my time and I wasn’t giving it up.  After a few attempts to break my resolve, everyone to my amazement, accepted that I was not bending and gave me my space. That was years ago.  Today when I say I’m going to the gym, now it’s just accepted as part of my life.

The point of my story is to show you that the first thing you need to do is set aside time for yourself then dig in your heels and don’t let anyone take it from you! It’s not selfish to take time to get healthy and feel good about yourself.

The next thing you need to do is get rid of all the excuses.  There are no excuses. They’re only rationalizations that keep you from achieving your potential.  Yes, I understand you’ve got a busy life.  I understand you have responsibilities.  Change the way you think and understand that you, along with your wellbeing should be on the top of that priority list.  You only get one life and one body.  It’s your responsibility to take the best care of it that you can.  No one else is going to do it for you.

TOP 5 EXCUSES TO AVOID EXERCISE

Excuse #1:   I don’t have enough time…. I’m too busy

Let me ask you this… Do you have time to go out to dinner?  Hang out with friends?  How much time do you spend at home on-line?  Is writing to your friends on facebook giving your fingers a good workout? Do you have time to sit in front of the T.V. set and watch your favorite shows? Hmmmm….

Excuse #2:  I’m too tired

Studies have shown that productivity in the office increases when employees partake in some sort of physical activity.  Maybe you could put together a group of co-workers and start a walking program at lunchtime or you could join a nearby gym and use that time to train.  If you plan to start a new workout regimen after work, my advice would be to go straight to the gym before heading home. Once you get home, it’s too easy to wind down and make excuses not to go.

Excuse #3:  I’m too stressed

Good news!  Weight training is a great stress reliever! Go to the gym, throw around some weight. You’ll feel better (and look better) I promise.

Excuse #4:  I have small children at home

Can you find a family member or a good friend who will help out for just an hour a day? Maybe you can trade babysitting services if they have small children too.

There are also quite a few fitness centers that offer childcare as part of the membership services.  Remember, if you are taking care of your health, you’re going to have more energy and feel better.  This is a bonus when you’re chasing around young children.

Excuse #5:  I feel intimidated by the people in the gym and all the equipment

First of all, remember that every person in the gym had a starting point too.  They were once you, and I find for the most part, everyone in the gym is aware of that fact and has a certain amount of respect for anyone willing to come in and learn. Seasoned members are usually more than willing to help out and show support. If it is your first time in the gym, ask a gym employee to take you around and show you how everything works.   The best way to become comfortable in the gym and to understand why you are doing a particular exercise is to hire a trainer.  Spend a little time observing personal fitness trainers in your gym.  Avoid trainers who are talking on their cell phones, eating, or chatting with others while not concentrating on the client.  Remember, it’s your time, and money.  Most of all your personal reserved time spot.  Talk to other members to see if they are happy with their trainer.

Working out is a labor of love that you’ll come to enjoy if you give it a chance.  It will reward you every step of the way.  You will slowly see your body begin to change.  Every new muscle or lost pound will feel like a small gift.  It will make you want to come back for more.  Here’s another bonus… as your outside blossoms, your insides (heart, lungs, circulation, etc.) will be getting healthy too!