Its January, the time of year where the fitness centers are packed, the workload is heavy and the weather is cold (for a lot of us). We try to start the year on the right foot, getting in shape from both a physical and professional perspective. Unfortunately, it’s often a challenge to make the two co-exist. But, making it work will pay dividends in all areas of your life. It just takes commitment and the staying power to get through those first few weeks of establishing the discipline. Here are some tips to get you started:
1) Look at your schedule and commitments. Where can you fit in your workout? You may need to get up earlier if your day tends to spiral out of control once it gets started. If you aren’t a morning person, you will soon find that the gains in energy will offset the reduced sleep.
2) If you have to work late, take a break for exercise, clearing your head and getting the blood flowing and then get back to the job.
3) Find something you like to do. You don’t want to hate your exercise, it won’t work. There are many options, try them all.
4) Get others involved. You won’t sleep in when you know people are waiting for you at the corner or at the racquetball court.
5) If your day is hectic, use your workout time as an opportunity to get your thoughts together on important projects or upcoming meetings.
6) Make sure your snacks at the office aren’t just doughnuts and candy. Once you get your workouts going, you will need to properly fuel for the work day and next workout.
7) Make changes to your workout program every 3-4 months. Just as we, as humans, can get in a rut, muscles will respond to changes in routine and fitness can reap new gains when it has new stimuli.
These are just a few tips to get you started or keep you on the right path. Remember to start slowly and know your physical limitations, if any. If you have other questions or need more advice, just ask! Get others in your office involved, start a challenge! New LifeStyles participates in the Governor’s Fitness program each year and we have over 70% participation, making it fun.
If you have other tips on fitting exercise into a hectic day or week, please share with the group. We all need the encouragement. Now, I need a banana. Cheers!