Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Fitting in Fitness



Photo taken from http://www.goworkoutmom.com/



One of the most common questions people ask me is, "Lindsay, how do you find the time?" I assume they are referring to any number of things I cram into my crazy day: being a mother, teaching, writing, cooking, studying, watching all my shows, fantasy football, housework and finally... working out. I would be lying if I told you that it is easy; that I have found the 25th hour of the day everyone has been searching for. And those who know me well know, I cannot tell a lie. However, I have acquired a few tricks for fitting fitness into even the busiest of schedules.

The first thing you should know is that having a child taught me quite a few things. One is that I had a helluva lot of free time before I was a mother! What was I doing with all that time?!?! You parents can relate; I'm sure. After having the little one, getting back into pre-baby shape was a goal of mine. Yet as I made the transition from expecting mother to active mother, I just didn't know how that was going to happen when so much of my time was needed elsewhere, and rightfully so. As most people do when faced with change, I adapted. Here are the tricks that saved my fitness regimen from extinction back then, and that I continue to use now.

TIPS FOR FITTING IN FITNESS:

Tip #1: Take it Outside- Walking and running are such great exercise. They are free AND all you have to do is step out the door. Call a friend or take the little one out for a stroll. If you have 30 minutes while dinner is in the oven, head on out!

Tip # 2: Use Your Home Gym- Believe it or not, everyone has one. There are a countless number of exercises that can be done using little or no equipment. Not having to drive to a gym saves so much time. In my case, 30 minutes!

Tip #3: Act Like a Child- We can't stop growing older, but that doesn't mean we have to grow up! Jumping rope, using a hula-hoop or just running around with your children (if you have them) is a great workout. Chase a 2-year-old around the house for 10 minutes. You will certainly work up a sweat!

Tip #4: Break it Down- ...into smaller sessions, that is. One hour of fitness does not have to be done all at once. For example, a 30 minute workout video, a 10-minute brisk walk at lunch and a 20 minutes of heavy housecleaning should do the trick for a day's worth of physical activity.

Tip #5: A Little is Better Than Nothin'- Don't blow off a workout because there isn't time to fit in the entire session. Get in what you can and give it 100%. If you can run the distance you normally do, try upping the speed or intensity for maximum calorie burn.

Fitting in fitness can be tough, but our health should be a top priority. All of the other things in our lives that demand our focus will not be getting much attention if we don't stay active; leading to sickness and lack energy. We owe it to ourselves and to the ones we care about to stay fit and healthy. Just think, if you already feel as if there isn't enough time to work out, can you really afford to be sick or sluggish?

Take care!