Health & Fitness by Bill Bromeland

 

We’ve all heard the saying: If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way; if you don’t want it enough, you’ll find an excuse. The most common excuse we all use now and then is, “I don’t have enough time.” It’s true, our lives are busy and making fitness a priority isn’t always a reality for some. However, our health is our wealth and making time to make healthy happen is key to ensuring we live our best lives. Let’s take a look at some of the more common time-related excuses we use to avoid exercise, and how we can conquer them.

I have kids.

Back-to-school time was months ago. Before you fill your less-packed schedule with things that will not benefit you personally, set aside some of this time to get to the gym, take a walk or exercise at home. If you schedule the time the same as you schedule everything else about your life, it will naturally become part of your day-to-day routine. Start small. Once it becomes a habit, you won’t want to miss a single workout because you’ve already experienced its rewards. Hiring a fitness coach or scheduling group sessions or buddy workouts are a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on getting to the gym, too. It’s an appointment, just like going to the doctor or any other professional.

I work full-time.

We all get the same 24 hours every day to use as we determine will be the most beneficial for us. Yes, most of us need to work to support ourselves and our families. But we also need to be healthy to maintain our jobs and provide for our families to the best of our ability. Healthy employees are proven to be more productive and save themselves and their company health-related expenses. What can you do to fight this constant struggle? Try instilling some healthier habits at work. For example, Anytime Fitness members have access to our free app, with many workouts you can do from anywhere, with limited (to no) equipment. Time spent on making sure you are in the best physical shape you are capable of is like money in the bank in more ways than one.

I’m tired all the time.

It has been scientifically proven that regular exercise can increase your energy level.  Make the time to exercise, and the energy will come. Instead of reaching for that afternoon coffee or energy drink, try a bit of exercise. You’ll be amazed at the results. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort your energy level will improve. Bonus: It’s all natural! As a side note to this, make sure you are drinking enough water. Dehydration also is proven to cause fatigue.

I can’t fit a two-hour exercise routine into my day.

There is some really good news on this topic: You don’t need to set aside two (or even one) hours every day for exercise. Studies show that 2.5 hours per week of moderate cardio exercise and two hours of strength training (again per week) are all that is necessary to improve your health. Given that there are 168 hours in every week, 4.5 hours is a little over 2% of your valuable time being spent making you a healthier, happier, more energetic person. There is no way to put a price tag on that.

Let’s make healthy happen!

There will always be a great reason to not do something, but making time for yourself is critical to your overall well-being. When you feel good about yourself, it has a trickle-down effect that can improve your daily life in more ways than one.

 

Bill Bromeland is a co-owner of Anytime Fitness in Albert Lea.