Does that mean you should rearrange your life around exercise just to ensure a workout that happens at the same time every day? Researchers are apt to answer with a very adamant, "No!" Ultimately, finding enough time (and energy) to exercise -- no matter what the time of day -- is what's important.
Here are five ways to help you get around a hectic day.
Shrink to Fit: Cut workouts in half and squeeze in a 15- or 20-minute session instead of your normal workout. These "short, but sweet" workouts can produce dramatic results.
Start Your Day Early: Set the alarm clock for 30 minutes earlier and work out before your day starts. Eventually, your body will adjust to the earlier wake up call.
Split Lunch: Split your lunch hour in two and devote half an hour to exercise before you eat. This will also curb your appetite and make it easier to cut lunchtime calories.
Rock-A-Bye, Baby: When the little one goes down for a nap, squeeze in 10 or 15 minutes. Whether you're a work-at-home mom or dad, take every opportunity you get to squeeze in some exercise. Repeat throughout the day to add up to 20 or 30 minutes.
Double Up: Create combination workouts you can perform three or four times weekly. For example, combine 10 minutes of strength with 20 minutes of cardio training for three or four 30-minute weekly workouts.
Don't allow strict rules on what time of day is best for exercise to dictate your workout schedule. You may wind up exercising less. Be flexible in your scheduling, and do what you can when you can to get the most from any exercise program!
It?s going to take a while to get into an effective routine, but don?t get discouraged. While you are fine tuning your program, try these:
When you want to keep fit but have no time to exercise, try these tips from Real Simple:
1.Do belly braces throughout the day. Draw in your navel as close to your spine as you can without holding her breath and hold until you can?t hold it anymore. You can do this anytime and anyplace ? while waiting in line, driving, or sitting in a meeting. This simple move will help strengthen your abs, improve your posture, and flatten your stomach.
2.Add a 10-minute strengthening routine in the morning. In the course of a few months build up to 15 minutes, then 20. These exercises will help you feel and look more toned:
Arm circles: With arms out to the side, make dinner plate?size circles with your fists. Do 10 in each direction and repeat.
Simple squats: Place your hands behind your head. With feet shoulder-width apart, lower yourself as if about to sit in a chair. Do two sets of 10 repetitions.
Knee push-ups: Lie on your stomach, hands under your shoulders, knees bent, and feet together. Push up, then lie back down. Do two sets of 10 repetitions.
Reverse crunches: Lie on your back, knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Place your hands behind your head and bring your knees toward your face while exhaling. Do two sets of 10 repetitions.
No matter how busy you are, there IS time for exercise if you decide to make it a priority!
