Lose Weight In Half an Hour
If you always mean to get moving but somehow never find the time to get all your things together, drive to the gym, have a workout, shower and get home again then you may be tempted to think that you're simply too busy to make exercise part of your weight loss program. If you have a hectic lifestyle then it's hard to see where the time will come from.
Of course you can already do a lot just by being more active as you go about your day (getting up when you answer the phone and walking around or standing up while you talk, using the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from your destination, getting off the bus a little before your normal stop - the ideas are endless here).
But if you want to make a significant dent in your calorie balance and get fitter with longer exercise sessions then it can take a bit more effort. And you need at least three sessions of 30 minutes a week to get fitter. It may not sound a lot but how many of us can't seem to find the time even for that?
So how do you fit 30 minutes of exercise into a busy lifestyle?
1. Use Your Lunch Hour
If you can get away from the office for at least 30 minutes you can have a good workout by going for a brisk walk at lunchtime and still have time for a bite to eat at your desk.
If you are lucky enough to have a gym close by, you could fit in a short session a few times a week instead especially if you make that the time you use the toning equipment rather than the aerobic machines and work on a different part of your body each day. You'll burn calories, tone up and hardly break a sweat (or need to shower!). And if you have a wash and go hairstyle you could even make use of a nearby pool.
You'll return to work revitalized and ready for anything the afternoon throws at you, unlike those who have had a heavy restaurant lunch or skipped taking a break altogether.
2. Kids Come Too
If your problems are more in the babysitting line, get your workout with the kids. If they are still being wheeled around you have the opportunity for a brisk daily walk and the fresh air will do you all good. Or take them to the park or beach (whatever the weather) and this time play WITH them - you can kick a ball about, play tag, jump in all the puddles or fly a kite - anything that gets you all moving and having fun.
And if you truly want to get to the gym or pool get your thinking cap on and organize babysitting. Some gyms have creches or arrange to swap babysitting with another mom in your area.
3. Walk Everywhere
Every errand is an opportunity for exercise so don't drive if you can walk. If you think you don't have time for that just remember you are killing two birds with one stone - exercise and errands and you'll have no hassle driving around looking for a parking space.
Plus, if you are wrestling with a problem, it's amazing how many good solutions you will come up with as you walk without even thinking about your problems. This could save you hours and lots of aggravation to boot.
4. On The Way
If you use a gym on your way to work or to a night on the town you can save plenty of time getting ready. Take your work or party clothes to the gym and after your shower you can do your hair and make-up there and hit the road running feeling great too.
5. Use Your Alarm
A bit of planning the night before with getting your workout clothes ready to fall into and your alarm set and you could easily get your workout in at home first thing, and feel virtuous all day.
With all the exercise DVDs of every description and great home equipment you can tuck away out of site when it's not in use you don't even have to join a gym to get a full body workout these days. After your exercise session you can shower, grab a healthy breakfast and be out the door feeling great in no time at all ready to start the day.
Copyright 2007, Janice Elizabeth Small
Janice Elizabeth is a weight loss coach and author of "The Diet Exit Plan". Request her FREE 15 page report "How to lose weight without dieting - 7 secrets the diet industry doesn't want you to know" at http://www.SimplySlimming.com TODAY!
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