One of the most common things I hear is “How do you find time to exercise?”

From someone who values exercise as much as I do, my quick response to this question is how do you not find time to exercise? We know and are well aware there are so many benefits of exercise. Aside from the instantaneous benefit of feel good endorphins, there is a whole gamut of long term health benefits. We all know these facts, so why is it so difficult to prioritize our own health?

And the most common answer is “time.” “I just can’t find the time.”

I believe there is something deeper and more meaningful to this answer. Possibly lack of motivation or fear of getting started and being out of shape, or possibly lack of enjoyment, but there is more to the answer than just “lack of time.”

We make time for things we have to do. When was the last time you didn’t show up to work because you didn’t have time? Or have you ever not taken your children to their doctor’s appointment because you didn’t have time? Our health is just as important as these things. Without long term health, how we will be able to keep living?

So my simple answer is to prioritize your health the same way you prioritize the other important things in life. When something is a priority, it is planned into the calendar, it is discussed amongst other family members and it gets done without fail because it was prioritized.

Top suggestion is to put your fitness plan into your calendar. Whether it is 10 minutes of yoga when you wake up, or a 30 minute walk on your lunch break, or a Bootcamp that you plan to attend, put it in your calendar. Set the reminder alarm. Make your subconscious mind start allowing “time” for these activities. When you review your day and see what time you have to be places, you will also see the blocked time for your exercise. Get your brain involved in finding the time.

Here are some other suggestions:

1. Start somewhere. Even if it is only 5 minutes, that is a great place to start. Just find 5 minutes, and allocate them to your health. Maybe you have to combine activities, that’s OK. If you can wait for a hardboiled egg to cook, you have 5 minutes that you could do some heart pumping activities. (here’s an idea: 1 minute jumping jacks, 1 minute jog in place, 1 minute crunches, 1 minute burpees, 1 minute stretch) Maybe you’ll start with one round for a couple weeks and by week 3 you might be up to 15 minutes. Just start somewhere.
2. Let money be your motivation. Sometimes putting money on the line will give you the motivation you need to make it to that yoga class, or race you registered for, or to actually participate in that weight loss challenge group you signed up for.
3. Be the early bird that gets the worm. Exercising first thing in the morning will ensure you fit it in.  A smart tip for this one is to set your workout clothes out the night before and get up before the rest of the household is awake. By 7am you can have your workout done and feel ready to tackle the day with a clear mind.

Stop trying to find the time. Make the time, and make it work for you.

Have a great week,
Meryl

Our next Challenge Group starts Monday, June 8th. This portion controlled meal plan with daily workouts and accountability will definitely jump start your weight loss goals for summer. Message me ASAP for more info.