Back-to-School? Back-to-Fitness!

Back-to-School? Back-to-Fitness!

Staying fit and finding time to exercise during back-to-school chaos seems impossible. As you shop for school supplies, register at school and deal with kids who want more summer, exercise makes its way to the bottom of the to-do list. Well, guess what? If you keep telling yourself you’re simply putting off exercise until your schedule clears, you’ll be waiting for a long, long time.

Instead of waiting for the perfect time to exercise, start now! Getting exercise firmly established makes it easier for it to remain a priority year-round. After all, remember those New Years resolutions? There are a few simple things you can do to prioritize exercise – without ignoring the demands of your life!

Be Cost-Effective

A personal trainer is a great motivator, but you might be put off by the cost. A great alternative is partner training, which costs less than an individual session. By enlisting a friend, you’ll have added accountability to exercise – while making it fun, and perhaps, competitive!

Be Prepared

As a parent, you know preparation is the difference between order and complete chaos. Giving exercise that same kind of effort can help you make it a priority. Make a weekly calendar of work, family and other responsibilities so you know what’s on your plate. With that, look for times you can squeeze in exercise. Doing shorter workouts throughout the day is as effective as continuous exercise. Even if you only find 10 minutes, that’s 10 minutes you’ll be moving instead of sitting.

Plan what you’ll do and grab what you need the night before. If you’re going to the gym, you’ll need sneakers and workout clothes. If you exercise in the morning, put your gear next to the bed so you can put it on easily.

Connect exercise with your normal responsibilities. If you’re watching soccer practice, use the time to walk around the field. If you’re at the mall, add a few laps of walking to burn some calories.

Keep extra gear at work, or in the car. If you can find a few minutes at lunch or on the way home from work, squeeze in a quick walk at a park!

Be Imaginative

Too many people hold narrow definitions of exercise, as though only certain things “count.” For many people, if it doesn’t leave you breathless and sweaty, it isn’t worthwhile.

It’s that kind of thinking that limits your options, so open your mind and look for original ways to be active. Is dinner in the oven? Do some push-ups! Or, make it a family rule to take a walk every single night after dinner. Anything can be a workout if you commit to it and stay focused!

Be Efficient

If you plan long workouts that never materialize, it’s time to make a change. If you’re short on time, stick with strength training moves that maximize your availability (and results). Compound movements – those that work multiple muscle groups – will help you save time, while promoting functional strength.

For cardiovascular strength, increase the intensity of short workouts. Simply put, the shorter the workout, the harder you should exercise. If you have 15 minutes, exercise at a higher intensity than usual by using a faster pace for your routine.

Be A Walking Machine

If you haven’t tried a pedometer, you’ll be amazed at its motivating potential. You probably already know experts recommend walking 10,000 steps each day. Well, that’s incredibly difficult with a sedentary job. Clip a pedometer to your belt, and you’ll find yourself making ways to walk more just to meet your daily goals!

Be Proactive

Whatever you do, don’t wait until “later” to get on a consistent exercise routine. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes – and the more you get used to life without activity. Make a commitment to do something positive for your body today. It’s the perfect day to change your life!

About The Author: Bobby DeMuro is the Founder of FusionSouth, a personal training/sports conditioning firm in Charlotte, NC. He is also the Executive Director of NoFizz Charlotte, a non-profit dedicated to bringing awareness on the importance of proper hydration. He resides on Lake Norman with his 2-year old boxer, Dakota.