Not having making time is one of the top reasons people skip out on daily physical activity. I get it… people are busy, but I still can’t entirely sympathize with those that use this excuse continually. I, on the hand, have the opposite problem and have been known to procrastinate my homework play at the WREC for hours.

 

With a new semester right around the corner, life is going to get a bit whole lot busier and going to the gym twice in one day (ahem, today) isn’t going to be practical… or necessary.

The fitness and health benefits of exercise aren’t only found from running 40-mile weeks. Quick ‘n’ dirty workouts — such as HIIT and cross-fit — are all the rage these days.

Here are few tips to get you moving in the middle of your busy schedule and #makeitcount.

Stay Single

Exercising with a friend can be fun and encouraging, though it can often be distracting. During the busy school and/or work week, set aside personal time to workout and save the chatty long runs for the weekends.

Plan Ahead

Before you get to the gym, have a plan of what you’re going to do while you’re there. If you’re unsure of what to do, browse a magazine or Pinterest for inspiration, write the workout on a notecard and slip it into your gym bag. Then You won’t waste time trying to think of what exercise to do next.

Speed It Up

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and the tabata method are proven methods of burning fat fast. If you want to get sweaty in a second, try one of my 6 HIIT treadmill workouts.

Break It Up

There’s no need to try to do a full-body workout every time you’re at the gym. Designate specific days to workout different muscle groups. This is also important in giving your body adequate rest and recovery time.

In addition to a blissful yoga class this afternoon and doing 2 sets of the Tone It Up Lean Arms routine (above), I tried the tabata treadmill workout that Tina posted yesterday, modifying it slightly.

I’ll admit I was bit nervous running at this speed, imagining another treadmill crash heaven forbid, but I enjoyed the speedy run and hope to find the courage to do it again.

What’s your secret to squeezing in regular exercise?

To a fit, fast and healthy January weekend (almost!),

Hillary

Of Possible Interest:

• 20 Tips to Speed Up Your Workout

• Tips for Training Indoors