I’m sure not everyone is going to be entirely “comfortable” with what I say here, but sometimes a little call out is a good thing.
Arguably, the single most common reason why people don’t start or stick with any health planning (diet, workout, etc.) is the “I just don’t have time” mindset.
I’m calling this BS.
It’s a myth.
Let me say first off that I am in no way dismissing people with kids that need rides to school, after school events and sport, people with long commutes, those with demanding jobs, requiring long hours, etc.
Believe me, I get it.
With rare exception, we’ve all been there. I know I have.
In fact, sometimes I look back on former jobs I’ve had, and the time requirements, and ask myself how the HECK I did it.
But we all do what is demanded of us.
Yet…
We will always find time for the things we really want to do. Without exception.
Let’s look at one extreme schedule example.
Have you seen what Mark Walberg claims is his daily routine? In a word: Insane.
I’m quite sure having untold wealth, a cook, people to run errands for him, etc. helps take the bite out of a busy day, but you cannot argue that his is a very demanding schedule.
I’m a pretty disciplined guy…
But there’s no way I’m following a routine that gets me out of bed at 2:30am; includes 2 daily workouts and a 7:30pm bedtime.
In case you’re wondering, yes, he has plenty of family time built in as well.
I’m a regular up at 4:45 am guy. My day is planned, and my workout for the day is done by 6:00am. That works for me and took a LONG time to get used to.
I say all this because I have spoken to a LOT of individuals on my calls who say the number one reason they don’t take better care of their fitness levels is a lack of time.
When I asked about their daily schedule, they say, “I’m up at 6:30 to start my day.”
Well, whether you agree with this or not, they’re sleeping in. (This wake up time is AMAZINGLY popular, I have discovered!)
Your ENTIRE workout routine – one that will help you lose all the weight you want AND live a higher quality of life – can be done in less than 30 minutes, usually less.
Done.
In fact, I tell people that if you’re training for an hour or more, you’re either wasting a LOT of time or you’re socializing.
Fact.
Now, if you are not a morning person, that’s OK! I’m not here to chastise anyone!
I’m just pointing out that most people do not maximize every minute of the days we are all given.
If you get up at 6:30am, I’m going to ask you to break out of that routine and conduct a one week experiment.
One week.
For 3 days: You can do M, W, F or if you prefer T, Th, Fr (if Monday mornings are an issue)
Pick any one of the workouts available to you through YouTube, my programs I’ve sent you, a DVD you might have…anything. (I’ll send you a very basic routine if you like…no problem)
And do it for 20 minutes. Get up at 6:00am. Stretch out a little bit and go.
You’ll be over and done by your normal 6:30 wake up time. Then go about your day.
I will tell you right now, that day will be different.
You’ve changed the game!
I mentioned in the title that the “no time” thing is also ironic.
Here’s why:
You will have MORE energy, not less.
You will sleep better.
You will think more clearly.
And you will discover you get more done in the same amount of time.
Hence, the irony of not having any time. J
If the morning thing is not for you, try a lunch hour routine. This works best if you have access to a shower – and the advantage to NOT lengthening your day at either end.
Maybe evenings work best…
Alter your commute to go directly to the gym – without giving it a second thought. Do your routine and get out the door.
You’ll discover that your day does not go to hell, and everything gets done.
Oh, and your health is no longer pushed aside!
Summary: Start with a small daily disruption of your routine.
Discover the power of short, necessary changes.
Call me if you want any help getting started.