Too Busy for fitness! It was a statement not a question, the answer if it were a question is YES! We all have busy schedules and it is very difficult to get to the gym, back to that important meeting, pick up the kids.....You get the idea. Lets try a different approach: What fitness is right today? With gyms open 24 hours, Personal trainers coming to you, class schedules at the fitness centers designed to accommodate you, there are no more excuses. Here is the problem that throws a wrench in this plan, what do you need or want to do. If you don't have a plan, it works the same way as going on a trip to an unknown destination without a map. Businesses start with a target know your market, have whats necessary to meet demands, expand to meet the needs of your clients. YOU ARE YOUR CLIENT, the market is yours, have a plan to meet your clients needs. Here are the questions to ask: How much time do I have? What are my goals? What am I doing today?
If you walk into a gym without answers to the aforementioned questions you will likely find you had an ineffective workout. Keep this in mind the time it takes to complete your workout is far less important than the work done in the workout. If you do your sets and reps and rest and talk and have water and stretch and your workout is 90 minutes is that a good workout? Can you do the exact same workout in 45 minutes limited rest warmup in the beginning stretch at the end and get more than the first workout? YES! The first workout sounds better for many unmentioned reasons: I can catch up on ESPN, telling my friends and co-workers I workout 90 minutes a day makes me feel good. The second format will help you reach your goals.
Where do I start? AMRAP is my favorite starting point. Identify the amount of time you have for your workout. Most of you reading this will say; I only have 10-15 minutes a day, I don't take lunch etc. etc. etc. 10 minute AMRAP, As Many Rounds As Possible. Try this and see if it is a good workout 5 Push ups, 10 Squats 10 Sit ups. Count your Rounds, repeat this simple workout every week and try to improve on your round total. Practice squats, improve on your push ups, do pullups. These are all very simple and valuable exercises and may be the first small step toward a larger goal. Shorter duration and efficiency will elevate your heart rate and help keep you in line with your busy schedule.
