How to create more time for your workout

One of the most common reasons I hear from people explaining why they can't get regular exercise is they don't have time.

As working professionals or entrepreneurs, No matter how hard we work, it seems like there is never enough time or energy (mostly energy) to get all the important work tasks done, including workouts.


And if you're blessed with kids, this is even more apparent. As ambitious Americans, we tend to just increase our hours and work longer and longer.

 One of the ways I help my clients "create" time for regular exercise is help them understand how to work smarter in their lives instead of working more.

 Here are some ways to work smarter, to become more effective, and create more time:

 1. Have a daily agenda. Every night, look at what's going on the next day, and plot your own course. Where are opportunities for 30 minutes of exercise? For eating? "Winging it" in regards to fitness is the quickest path to failure.

 2. Schedule your tasks throughout the days, weeks and months, but do it ahead of time. Make an annual plan, then break it down into quarterly, monthly, weekly and daily goals.

 4. Goals should specify which tasks are to be completed and a time frame for completing them. "Mind Maps" are a great way to do just that. Seeing your written goals and tasks in an illustrated format can help burn them into your memory.

 5. Organize your work day. Develop a consistent daily work schedule — and stick to it. These days I protect my time like I protect my son.

 6. Delegate effectively. Learn which tasks can be delegated and which need personal attention.

 Don't make life harder than it has to be. Much of the time, pressure is self-induced. We set unrealistically high goals or standards for ourselves and feel like we should be doing more.

Remember that personal and professional tasks should get completed in a step-by-step fashion.

It's no different that what you ask your kids or employees to do. Focusing on each step, rather than on the entire goal/project, may cut down on feelings that we are "overwhelmed."

 Sound familiar? Stay focused, and you'll create more time for what you want to do rather than the things you need to do always hogging all your time. Take control of your time and schedule as best you can. Make it happen.



Chad Smith is a Hagerstown personal trainer and co-owner of Home Team Fitness LLC. Go to www.hometeamfitness.net for more information.