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Take our "Fitting in Fitness" test. |
| One of the most popular excuses for failing to work out is not having
enough time. Are you really so busy it is impossible to squeeze in exercise?
On the other hand, is it more likely your time is spent on things that are not top
priorities for you? If you frequently use time as an excuse for missing workouts,
here are some ways to see if that is really the case. |
| Your Use of Time |
Being totally objective, fill out the following top-10 list with items that are most
important to you (begin with the most important item.) Think in terms of your
overall life and what you love the most.
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Now list the top 10 ways you can currently spend your time
( begin the activity you spend the most time on.)
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Take a look at List #2. From that list and your experience, note
any activities that whittle away at least 10 minutes of you time a day. Include
things like waiting in store lines, holding on the phone, being stuck in traffic, waiting
for clients, watching TV, etc. Beside each entry, state how much time gets spent,
and add up an average daily total.
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| Ways of Increasing Time for Fitness |
| Compare List #1 with List #2. Do you devote the majority of your time to what
means the most to you? On the other hand, do you find yourself using precious time
on items that really don't mean that much? If your two lists do not enhance each
other, it is time to get your priorities in line. For example, if your number-one
priority is enjoying your family, yet you work long, hard days to support them, you may
need to look at working shorter days for less pay. Now look at List #3. The
purpose of this exercise is twofold. First, it shows we all waste time. After
all, no one can be expected to run full tilt without a moment of rest. However, the
truth is, there is time available for health and fitness. It is simply a matter of
motivation. (If you won the lottery, wouldn't you find time to pick up the money?)
Second, this list shows that planning your time more wisely can free up times in
other parts of the day. For example, if you find yourself holding on the telephone a
lot, use that time to pay bills or make a grocery list. While your are waiting in a
doctor's office or under a hair drier, why not catch up on your work-related reading?
Then you will have saved yourself a chunk of time for exercise and other fun
things.
The question is: How much do you value yourself? If you pack the day so full
there is no time for you, you are stressing yourself beyond human limits. The body
and mind need exercise and rest to stay fit and well. Take a closer look at your use
of time to find a way to ease activity into your lifestyle. |
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