Finding Time for Fitness

September is always a bustle of activity. If you've got kids it's all about back-to-school and reworking everyone's schedule to make room for sports, clubs, and activities. This also means lots more folks on the road during your morning and evening commute. Work-wise most of us are gearing up for the coming holiday season and the demands on our time and energy that requires.

So how do you squeeze in a good workout when the rest of your life seems to be conspiring to keep you from the gym? 

1 - Instead of focusing on when you can get in a solid hour at the gym make some small adjustments in your daily routine.

• Skip the elevator and use the stairs!
• Regular stair climbing can lower resting heart rates, improve your balance, and tone different muscles in your legs and lower body.
• But be realistic, 1 story of stairs twice a day is not equal to a good 20-minute aerobic workout!
• Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier and sneak in a 20-minute yoga session before the rest of the house wakes up.
• You could be cooling down and sipping a cup of tea, ready to face the world as the day begins for everyone else in your life.
• Walk a little more.
• If you use public transportation, hop-off one stop early and walk the rest of the way in.
• If you drive in, park at the other end of the parking lot - you won't have to compete for a space!

2 - Use your lunchtime (or that weekly webinar)

• Pop out for a walk, or quick run
• Keep some dumbells in your office and do a bit of strength training during that webinar
• Replace your desk chair with a stability ball - your core will thank you!

In the end, it's about prioritizing. Find the times and spaces where you can focus on your goals and keep moving forward.