The Athlete

No time to work out: Use these techniques

Many people do not work out because they believe they do not have the time to devote to working out. One of the easiest ways to save time – and money – on working out while still getting into shape is to avoid the gym altogether. Getting a gym membership can be pricey, and getting to the gym even more of a hassle. Instead, use the great outdoors and the comfort of your home to work out. Go for walks, even in the winter, sprucing them up by walking into wooded or new areas. Use the neighborhood swimming pool for some good laps around the pool. Use tracks around children’s play areas for brisk walks. These areas are all free and likely to be much closer than a gym.

Gather several magazine articles, websites, or books on at-home workouts and then use the information in them to get a fit workout. Decide how much you need to work each part of the body and find workouts that maximize your efforts in minimal time. It is not necessary to do every exercise – only to work every major muscle group. Savvy travelers also use time in the car can also be used by the savvy traveler by working the glutes or other muscle groups. Use the articles you gathered to give ideas in this area.

Take the baby with you. Many workout places – gyms as well as places like the YMCA – have “mommy” workouts where you can bring baby with you. These places are okay with crying babies since everyone else has one, and the mothers do not have to worry about childcare for time during workouts. Older children may find something to do at the Y that will allow mom and dad to get their workouts in while the kids are learning a new sport or being otherwise entertained. If the children want to learn karate anyway, you will be able to use time to encourage family fitness that would otherwise be spent watching the children learn something new.

Finally, do some working out early in the morning or on your lunch break – or both. Basic squats, crunches, push-ups, and stretches can be done comfortably with no equipment when one first gets up or in the office. Use down time at work to get a few reps in, and when the end of the day comes, you could have 15-20 minutes of exercises already done.