Timely Exercise: 4 Simple Ways To Keep Active With A Busy Schedule
By Ryan Light, Running/Anxiety Coach
If you have a busy schedule, it can be extremely difficult to find time to exercise. Whether you’re trying to get a promotion at work, like going to a registered nurse to nurse practitioner, or you’re a stay-at-home mom, a filled day leaves little time to be active. The good news is that when you look for time, you’ll be surprised at how much room you have to be active. Here are four ways to squeeze in workouts every when your days are jam packed.
1. Mix Exercise with Relaxation
Do you love to veg out in front of the TV at the end of a long day? Make it a habit to exercise during commercials. Lift dumbbells, hold a plank or run in place during the whole break. By the end of an hour-long show, you could get in nearly 20 minutes of exercise! If you watch the same shows over and over, make a game out of it. For example, you can hop up and do ten jumping jacks every time a catch phrase is said.
2. Maximize Your Treadmill Time
If you find yourself heading to the treadmill every time you walk into your gym, try to maximize your treadmill workout. Grab a light dumbbell (up to five pounds) and do bicep, tricep and shoulder exercises while you walk. Do this every other time you get on the treadmill at your gym.
3. Exercise During Your Commute
If you’re able to walk, jog or bike to your job, squeeze in a workout en route to work each morning. If you take a bus or train, get off a stop or two early to walk a bit extra. If you drive to work, pick a spot far from your office to get in additional steps.
4. Wind Down with a Workout
When you’ve been going full-steam all day long, it’s tempting to curl up in bed at night. Try to find a workout that helps you wind down. Light yoga, a walk around the neighborhood or even a quick gym session may be enough to get you sleepy and ready for bed. Aside from tiring you out, a workout can also help you clear your head, which may make it easier to fall asleep.
If staying active is important to you, you’ll find a way to fit it in every day or at least a few days a week. Consult a professional with a nurse practitioner background in order to learn more about healthy exercises for your body build and weight. Before you’ll know it, you’ll start feeling healthier, more energetic and much more fit.