Too Busy to Work Out? Think Again!
| 2 min read
I started my 2015 fitness goals a little late this year. Somehow I fooled myself into thinking I didn’t have to work out. I was always too busy, too cold and I did not want to add a gym membership to my budget. It’s pretty easy to get wrapped up in these excuses, but my husband and I realized we were getting lazy. We signed up for a 5K and used the training schedule for motivation to get moving! Unfortunately I still find it hard to work out on days when my schedule is extra busy, so I decided to talk to Michelle Miller, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan wellness coordinator about some of her exercise tips.
The Surgeon General recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. According to Miller, “Moderate activity means your heart rate should be elevated, and you are able to say a few words, but not carry on an entire conversation.” She also said it’s important to work on strength training twice a week. “One of the biggest tips I give people is to find something you enjoy, so you look forward to the activity,” Miller said. She suggested fitting 10-minute bursts of aerobic activity throughout the day if you are time crunched.
Still need more tips? Miller suggests the following nine ways to squeeze fitness into your busy day:
- Start a lunchtime walking group with co-workers
- Have a “walking” meeting
- Take the stairs
- Use the restroom two floors above your office
- March in place while waiting in lines or when brushing your teeth
- When watching your favorite TV show, perform crunches and push ups during commercials
- Play catch with your kids
- Make it a part of your social hour- go bowling or golfing (and don’t use a cart!)
- Plan active outings with your kids
- Walk the dog
We are always looking for creative ways to get exercise. How do you fit exercise into a busy schedule?
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
Photo credit: Susanne Nilsson
