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Tips for Exercising Even When You Don't Have Time

Too often we approach life from an "all-or-nothing" state of mind, and this can have far reaching effects on our goals if we let it.

"It is one of the most common obstacles to fitness that I see with clients who work out on their own", says Janet Hughes, a Personal Trainer and Lifestyle Coach in Burlington, Ontario. "I can't tell you how often I hear from clients that they blew off their entire workout, because they didn't have time for the whole routine. But we have to remember that life gets busy sometimes and that a little is better than nothing when you are working towards health and fitness goals."

So when life gets hectic and you are feeling the time crunch follow these tips to ensure your workouts and health don't suffer.

1. Cut back on your normal routine. If you are short on time go through your regular workout but scale back how many sets or reps you perform. This will save you time, but keep your body progressing with the exercises you are currently doing.

2. Combine Movements. When the clock just isn't on your side, try combining movements from your regular workout. For example, biceps curls can easily be done with lunges. This saves you time and ramps up the intensity of your workout helping to burn a few more calories.

3. Mix things in throughout the day. Can't get it all done in one shot? No problem, just mix movements in from your program throughout the day. Do squats while on the phone at work. Calf raises while you wait

for the elevator. Climb the stairs to get a little cardio burst. As long as you work those muscles they will be happy with you.

4. Make daily activities into fitness moves. If you really don't have time for a regular workout, start making daily activities your fitness routine. Add walking lunges in when you are out with the dog or pushing the stroller. Do arm raises with bags of groceries. Do a few squats with each load of laundry that goes in the washer. Glute kicks while you wait for toast to pop in the morning. Think about your day and how you can turn a regular movement into something more challenging.

5. But the easiest way to exercise even when you don't have time is to MAKE THE TIME. You only get one body and one shot at health. If you are finding that exercise is the last thing you have time for in life, maybe it is time to re-evaluate your priorities. Take a look at what could be scaled back or cut out completely to free up some time for exercise. "When people tell me they don't have time for exercise, I ask them if they would have time for doctors' appointments and treatments if they were severely sick. And the answer is always, Yes." says Ms. Hughes. So why not start taking preventative measures and make exercise and your health a top priority today?

Learn more about this author, Janet Hughes.
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