One of the most common reasons people don’t exercise is the time excuse. “I don’t have time for that. With a full-time job, children to take to school, supervising homework, cooking dinner and making lunches as well as housework, there’s no way I can fit it in!!”
But look at the flip side, if you put even just 100mins per week towards looking after yourself, you will have more energy, feel fitter, be happier so the busy life you lead will be more productive and fulfilling. Let’s not forget longevity and health benefits – you will add more healthy years to your life.
If someone tells us they have no time to exercise, ask: “How many hours of television do you watch?”. The answer is always surprising. It is amazing how there is always time for TV, but never any time for exercise! Prioritisation is the key to success.
Look at ways you can overcome this. First, get out of bed 30 mins earlier and go for a brisk walk or jog, before the kids wake up. Invest in a piece of stationery equipment for the house if you can’t leave the kids unattended, and jump on it early in the morning, or after they’ve gone to bed. If you just have to watch your favourite show, then put it in front of the television!
Get the kids active as well – after school and on weekends get them on their bikes and walk with them. Go for a walk on your lunchbreak instead of sitting in the tea room.
Make an appointment in your diary for YOU time, and stick to it. If you find you still tend to miss it, book a time with a friend or a trainer – when someone else is involved you’re unlikely to skip it.
It simply comes down to re-arranging your time and priorities.
You will have to find and make the time to exercise, time won’t find you!
(© Selina Wright 2008)
As published in City Life Magazine.
