Often, we lessen our opportunity to exercise because we can’t schedule enough time at the gym. As we want to increase our exercise and maximize our success, this presents quite a challenge.
A friend recently communicated his challenges and asked for advice. My students would know that I have to bring up “opportunity costs”. Work changes will limit my friend’s opportunity to get to the gym more than twice a week. In addressing this limitation, the question is: “Is the challenge getting to the gym or having enough time when there?” There are always solutions.
If one is having a challenge getting to the gym, then one should consider what exercise can be accomplished from home. In many ways, going to the gym to do cardio is somewhat silly. I have always enjoyed (quite cynically) the stories of someone driving 5 miles to the gym to run on a treadmill. In most cases, running and cycling can be accomplished at home around one’s neighborhood. If one’s preferred cardio can only be done at the gym, then it might be time to consider some alternatives. There are plenty of cardio options that don’t require a treadmill, bike, pool, elliptical, rower, etc. First, there are affordable options for home cardio equipment. We had a used commercial grade stair-stepper that lasted for years. We now have a spin cycle that was easy on the budget. Treadmills are great, but I have a hard time spending money on something I don’t need—I can run outdoors for free, after all.
High-intensity interval resistance training (HIIRT) can be done at home with dumbbells and bodyweight. If one really needs inspiration, a subscription to something like Daily Burn can provide countless programs of varying length that can be done at home with minimal equipment.
I have had a weight room at home now for about 14 years. I have saved a bundle on gym memberships (even less expensive than the $9/month gyms over time), and I have little to no excuse for not making it to the gym. There may be some limitations, but I am able to do all that I would like to do.
If the reason one is challenged is because there is not enough time when there to do the workout one wants to do—i.e., you can get to the gym more often but only for a short time—work with it. If you need an hour to do a workout but only have half-hour blocks, try splitting workouts. Personally, I only have 45-minute blocks once or twice a day. In turn, I try to get in 6-10 workouts a week. Otherwise, 3-4 workouts would be more than difficult. Split routines are great. Exercise has a cumulative effect, so catch your sessions when you can—home or at the gym.
Make the most of your time. Exercise as much as you can and obtain the results you desire.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!