How do you find the time?

nutt · 07-Feb-03, 10:32 AM

How do you find the time and motivation to consistently workout and generally do what it takes to stay in shape and develop a good body. I find it very hard to be consistent. I have 3 kids (all boys) a wife a full time job etc… By the time I work 9-10 hrs a day go to basketball or soccer or baseball (whatever is in season) I sometimes just don’t feel like I have the time to workout or even fix my meals for the next day. I’ll do well for a couple of weeks then I will hit a week where it doesn’t seem like I get a chance to workout at all. I know everybody has the same problems in some form or fashion. I guess I’m just looking to vent my frustrations a little. Thanks for allowing me the forum to do so.

ebon00 · 07-Feb-03, 10:53 AM

Well, I don't have the 3 kids and no wife (girlfriend though) so I can't really relate to that part. My trick for getting things done in the gym is to do it bright and early in the morning. I'm usually in the gym by 6:30 AM so when I'm done it's somewhere around 8 AM which still allows me time to head home and have a quick bite to eat before scurrying about my business. I cook a lot of food at once, most often on the weekends, tupperware it and stick it in the freezer. I make my shakes first thing I get home from the gym and I prepare the post-workout shake the evening before. I know that there will be slip-ups along the way bu I take steps to make sure they're few and fairly far between. As long as you'ree doing something, that's always a step in the right direction.

Tuna Fish · 07-Feb-03, 11:21 AM

Hi Nutt-

Just depends on how bad you want it....

I have a full time job + home biz on the side, so very little free time, but I keep the workouts very brief (apx 30 minutes weights, 20 minutes cardio) to maximize my time.

Sometimes I don't have energy to go to work, but I still have to go.... I'm sure you understand, and the workouts are the same- just gotta do it. It helps a lot if your wife is supportive!!

Good luck!

angel22 · 07-Feb-03, 12:12 PM

Nutt,

I read this article about busy people working out.

It said if you want to keep your workout in your busy schedule, treat it like other important things and have plan to workout.
plan ahead and write down in your planner...

I know it is hard...! But that is one idea for you! Good luck...!

**Todd** · 07-Feb-03, 12:33 PM

You have to just workout when you can....plan to do your workouts at a time when it is CONVENIENT for you to do so...that is the best way to adhere to a workout program. Make it work for you....that means, creating a routine that allows you to get a good workout in for the amount of time that you have, so you are not stressing over it. Make it convenient, so you can stick with it...and the more you are able to stick with it, the easier it will become and the more it will become a natural part of your life.

Overall, don't let working out consume you or burden your other daily activities, but instead, slowly make it a part of your life, just like brushing your teeth....and soon, you will find that you CAN make time for it and you will make sure that it's in line with your other priorities. You should eventually try to make working out a part of your overall lifestyle....along with eating better, getting enough rest.....all of this will equate to more energy, better self-confidence and will enable you to do things in your life that maybe you otherwise would not do. It is all about balance!

So overall, start out slow, and workout when it is convenient for you to, then start incorporating other fitness lifestyle variables into your life, while keeping balance with your other/previous priorities.

Gaffer · 07-Feb-03, 01:09 PM

I'm 32 with 2 children and work from 7.30am - 5.30pm.
I do 50% of the cooking and read/bath/bed the little'uns every evening. I get to the gym 4 times a week 8pm - 9pm and play football (soccer) once a week.

At times it's hard going, but I use the time down the gym to recharge my batteries (mentally) whilst working out physically. Everybody needs time to themselves, finding time is about finding time. Like everything in life, if you really want it, you'll find a way to get it.

I'm lucky in a sense because my job allows me to eat 6 meals throughout the day as well as drink plenty of water.

In between all this I practice martial arts and also research aircraft crashes which occured in my local area during WWII, of which there are in excess of 200 within a 15 mile radius!

nutt · 12-Feb-03, 05:09 PM

Thanks to everyone for the advice and encouragement. Although I think someone should have said “stop feeling sorry for yourself and get your ass to the gym!” After reading your replies I realized that I am in better shape than I was last year at this time. If I can say that every year then I know I am getting somewhere.

BTW: Gaffer that is one interesting hobby you’ve got there. It is cool and at the same time not so cool having that much history in your backyard.

Monkey3d · 12-Feb-03, 06:21 PM

Nutt,

Would you find it easier if you had home equipment?

My motivation is the rush I get after working out and checking my progress in the mirror (yes, that sounds horribly vain, but who doesn't). Although I find it hard getting started, my basement is FREEZING!!!

j

sac1973 · 12-Feb-03, 07:37 PM

hey bro i can sympathize with you. a couple of things that has helped me is..i bought my own equipment and now i work out from 5am-6am. also, i recognize that i'm not going always going to bat a thousand. so i don't get freaked out and quit thinking that i have just majorly secrewed up.

lbphathead · 13-Feb-03, 03:26 AM

Gotta make workingout a priority. If at all possible I like to get my workout done in the morning so I can't make excuses to not get a good work out in.
Having supportive people around you is also a major plus.

Gaffer · 13-Feb-03, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nutt
BTW: Gaffer that is one interesting hobby you’ve got there. It is cool and at the same time not so cool having that much history in your backyard.

Very true. I do get excited after finding a crash site and then start looking into the crew, but I soon get the feeling of guilt when you realise how young these men were when they perished.

I have also got a number of crash sites involving B17's. One in particular involves two B17's which collided on return from both of their 25th bombing missions. In effect their war would have been over and they would have returned to the US. Unfortunately both crews parished!

Once I've found and confirmed a crash site (I'm not a souvenier hunter) I then try to locate any living relatives of any of the crew, to then offer information if they are interested. They usually are interested as there was a 30 year censorship after the war and these airmen where forgotten (probably a strong word) by that generation.

I'm going to make sure that these brave men (and women) are never forgotten, at least not be me anyway.

Sorry all to be off subject.

**Jaster** · 13-Feb-03, 06:46 AM

I get workout time allotted at work. Plus I have a full gym at home so I can lift any time at a moments notice.

sac1973 · 13-Feb-03, 06:52 AM

gaffer here is to wishing the blessings of the body building gods on you for your selfless giving.

scott1968s · 13-Feb-03, 11:32 AM

I am in a similar situation.

I 34 y/o, married with a newborn (3 months). I went from 4-5 days at the gym to a very efficeint 3x a week ( see my prior posting 3x a week for work out info). I live and work in NYC, getting up for work at 5:30 am and not getting home until about 7:00pm. The child is in daycare and my wife works as well. So it is only fair that I do my share around the home. I find myself getting up 2:30-4:00 to feed the baby which does not give me much time to fall back asleep. My point is that we have to do what we have to do.

Suggestions:

Forget about the mon, wed. and friday plans. Go to Day1, day2 and day3 for the work outs. Be flexible and disciplined

Do as much as you can from you home. I do abs and cardio at home instead of at the gym. There are a great number of routines and exercises that can be done with a set up dumbells, and work body weight.

Use your time with the children to help. If you child is playing soccor find time to go for a run or push ups, sit ups, etc. off to the side.

Plan you meals a head of time. Cook a little extra during dinner time leftovers can make the best meals. Lean cold cuts are always easy.

I am exhausted after work and all I want to do is sleep. However, once I start lifting my frame of mind changes and the best motivator is seeing the changes in my body.

good luck