We hear it all the time “I’m too busy, I just can’t find time to workout”. Maybe you’ve said these words yourself. I know I’ve heard people say to me “It must be nice to have time to do yoga and workouts”. I get it you’re busy. We’re all busy with work, kids, appointments, chores around the house, errands etc. Just when we think we couldn’t possibly be any busier the pace of life gets even faster. And even if we made resolutions and intentions to allow ourselves more time to be healthy on Jan.1 we might now be sacrificing for something more pressing. So again we find an excuse not to be active…or do we??

We all know by now that leading an active lifestyle is vital to our health and longevity. And the occurrence of obesity and inactivity in our current sedentary lifestyles are high. Yet many people still do not prioritize exercise. There are certainly valid reasons to rest; recent surgery or treatments, healing from an injury, etc. But most of the people yet to commit to a daily routine do not fall under these categories.

Common Excuses:

• I’m tired.
• I’m busy at work.
• My kids have their activities.

and my favourites!

• I’m too out of shape.
• I can’t afford it.

It’s about priorities and lifestyle changes. Do you want to be healthy? Be fit? Get strong? Then come up with a plan to get there. Right down the tasks that you need to get done in a day and where you need to be then get creative. There are so many resources available to help anyone make some major gains. There are online exercise programs and yoga classes. Gyms and training centres everywhere. Free community classes or energy exchange programs*.

Here are some tips on how to get creative with your time and get moving!

• Wake up early and start your day with a workout. Maybe it’s a run or walk outside or maybe you hit your local training centre where someone guides you through a routine (perfect if you aren’t a morning person and need a kick in the butt!)
• Use your lunch break at work to get your sweat on. Find a close by gym or yoga studio, or maybe you are lucky enough to have one in your workplace. Gather some coworkers and head outside for a walk. You will surely boost your productivity after you get your blood pumping!
• At the end of your day head straight to a class instead of heading home and plopping yourself down on the couch. You will feel great about yourself!
• Coordinate your children’s activities with something for yourself. Go for a run or see if there is a facility close by so that you aren’t just waiting around for them. What a great example you are setting for them!

Remember, you don’t need a full hour every day. Take 30 minutes and do a short body weight circuit in your living room. Or maybe you just need to make some logistics changes. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from the grocery store, walk to do an errand instead of driving. These changes may take time to implement but get going today! Don’t wait another day!

Stay tuned for my next post about how to motivate yourself and create healthy habits! And if you need help to get yourself moving then leave me a comment and we can discuss.

*Energy exchange programs are when you can perform small tasks at a facility i.e. yoga studio in exchange for free classes. These tasks are usually things like mopping the floors and changing garbages.