One of the main excuses we hear from people is that they "don't have time to workout." Fitting it in is one of the hardest things about a fitness routine and it is no different for us who live in the fitness world. Fitting in workouts can be difficult. Cardio, weight training, meal prepping - these things can turn into a full time job if you want to be serious about getting in shape! Luckily, we have some points of advice which may help you out! Let's take a look ...
- Cardio is important! Start off the day with it! Get up 30 minutes before anyone else in your house and get in a good walk. Whether it's on a treadmill or outside with your dog! If you don't have the opportunity for that, split it up! Slow, steady state cardio is just as effective if it is split up! Get in 10 minutes at a time, three times during your day! Try not to let excuses get in your way. If it is raining, grab a rain coat or umbrella. If it is cold, bundle up. If it is hot, drink more water. You CAN get it done if you really want to!
- Weight Training is even MORE important! We all know weight training burns more calories than cardio and muscles provide your body's shape, so if you only have time during your day for cardio OR weight training, choose weight training every time. If your weight training is also under time constraints, don't fret! Simply combine your exercises into a few Giant Sets (Giant Sets are a group of four or more exercises back to back to back to back with no rest). Take your 60-90 seconds rest after completing one set of those combined exercises and then get after it again. Go through 3 - 4 sets (rounds) of that and call it a day. You have just hit multiple body parts effectively in about 20 minutes.
- Meal Prep 101. Keep it simple. Meal prep tends to take forever when you try and get fancy. Your food is fuel, nothing more. If you are working hard enough during your work day then you don't have time to sit and enjoy your food anyway. Get it down and continue with your day. Knowing that, don't get fancy with your food. Chicken in a pan or the oven, steam fresh veggies in a bag and steam brown rice. You have just prepped 15-20 meals in 30 minutes. If you are spending hours on your meal prep, you are working too hard. Get it cooked, put it in tupperware and get on with your day.
There is a way to reach your fitness goals, no matter how busy you are or what your financial status is. If you can't afford a treadmill, walk outside. If you don't have a home gym, pay $10 for your local fitness palace. The only excuse is the one you create. You are stronger than you think you are and if you want it badly enough, you will get it done.