Never too busy to sweat: How to add fitness to your routine

If you're a busy working adult, you likely don't need me to tell you it's a struggle to lose weight and stay in shape. More and more working folk are battling with a weight problem and even though they have the desire to get fit and drop their excess weight, it still seems to plague them as time goes on.

Let's take a look at some of the biggest reasons why it's so hard to lose weight and how you can go about overcoming it.




Lack of time

The first reason why it can seem like a real challenge to get in shape and lose any excess weight is because you simply don't have time. Between job deadlines, meetings and scheduled tasks, every free moment in your day is filled up. Your "free" time is spent catching up on house work and fulfilling other obligations.

Many working adults tend to put themselves and their own interests aside to focus on those of their family, friends and co-workers.

This leaves very little left for planning and executing a regular workout program, so there's no wonder why you haven't been able to stay in shape. If time is one of the biggest barriers for you, it's time to look at what you can do to work with your busy schedule rather than letting it control you.



Exercise at work

The first thing you should consider is moving more at work. Something as simple as sitting on a stability ball to keep your core "turned on" while you sit, or standing whenever you're on the phone can go a long way. It might get some getting used to at first and you definitely won't look too cool for a few days, but at least you will be getting some core work and even burn a few extra calories.



Make the most of shorter bouts

Second, remember that you don't necessarily have to put in a full hour-long workout for it to be effective. Just 10 to 20 minutes of "high-intensity interval training" can be much more effective than a long and boring jog on the treadmill.



Make family time activity time

If it's family time that's pulling you away from exercising, make family time a more active time. Take your kids on a bike ride or go play Frisbee in a local park. By having more "active" family time and lessening the more sedentary activities such as watching TV, you'll not only be teaching your family the importance of an active lifestyle, but you will also be getting in your exercise.

 

It's very true that today's working adults are busier than ever. Finding the time to maintain a healthy exercise program to lose weight and stay in shape can be overwhelming. Hopefully, the few tips mentioned above can help you to overcome those obstacles to getting fit. Start with a game plan that will work with your schedule, and you will be a lot closer to seeing the results that you are looking for.



Chad Smith is a Hagerstown personal trainer, and author of www.hometeamfitnessblog.com. He is also author of "Best of Fitness Answer Man: Volume 1."