Fitness Tips for Busy Schedules
The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends people get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise from activities like biking, swimming, or brisk walking. In addition, there should be time for strength-training exercises as well.
But when you factor in having to prepare, shower afterward, and other activities associated with the workout, many people find that they don’t have enough time to work out. It’s believed that’s a top reason that only 25% of Americans met the federal guidelines in 2020.
But there are ways you can fit working out into your schedule without totally neglecting it due to a lack of hours in the day. Centers Health Care has a look at four tips.
- It’s Okay to Go Short
The recommended 150 minutes a week equates to a little over 20 minutes of activity each day. If it’s easier for you to break the exercise up into two 10-minute or four 5-minute chunks, that does count as the 20 minutes—it doesn’t have to all be done at once. And if you only have five or 10 minutes on a certain day? Still do it.
- High Intensity Is Not Required
The moderately intense activity in the guidelines means anything that gets your heart beating a little faster than it normally does. You don’t need to fully exert yourself in order to get health benefits.
- Don’t Be Discouraged if You Don’t Lose Weight
Just increasing physical activity usually doesn’t equate to weight loss. You need to change your diet as well, if that is your goal. Another factor to consider is that you may be losing fat and turning it into muscle with your additional exercise. Pay attention to the way your clothes fit, and that may tell a good story even if the scale is pretty much the same.
- It’s Okay to Be a Weekend Warriors
It’s okay if you’re only able to exercise on the weekends. Doing an hour of working out on both Saturday and Sunday gets you to 120 of the 150-minute benchmark, which is better than nothing, and if you wanted to get to 150, you don’t have to do a whole lot during the week itself to get there.
