5 Ways to Find Time to Workout

'I just don't have enough time to workout!'

Sound familiar? If it does, you're not alone. Not having enough time to workout is the reason women most often cite for not sticking to a regular exercise program.

However, considering the fact that in the average American home the television is on for nearly six hours a day, it's difficult to believe we don't have enough time to workout.

And when you consider that you can maintain a good level of fitness by running only 30 minutes four times a week, not having enough time becomes a less acceptable reason.

Here's a few tips to help you find time to squeeze workouts into your hectic schedule.

1. Become a morning person
Studies show that people who exercise regularly in the morning are more likely to stick to their exercise regimes. It's a wonderful way to energize yourself for the day, and you're much less likely to have things come up: a late meeting, your child's after-school activities, etc at 6am than at 6pm. Habit 4 Health's most popular 'Kick Start Healthy Habits' Fitness Boot Camp Session 5 begins May 3rd at 6am at the North Liberty Recreation Center. Register at http://www.habit4health.com/

2. Change your Lunch hour into your 'running hour'
Rather than go for lunch with your co-workers, go outside for a run during your lunch hour. If you don't have facilities in order to shower and change, consider taking a brisk walk instead. Over the same distance, you'll burn an equal number of calories whether you're walking or running.

3. Schedule a run into your appointment book
For many people, finding time in their hectic schedules to workout can be difficult. If that's the case make sure to schedule a run or a workout in your appointment book or calendar to ensure you set aside an adequate amount of time.

4. Increase intensity while decreasing duration
If you only have 20 minutes to workout and therefore can't workout or run your usual 40 minute route, don't despair. Just increase the intensity of your usual pace and run for a shorter amount of time. The workout will actually increase your endurance and muscle strength while saving time.

5. Workout a few times a day for shorter period of time
Sometimes it's much easier to find two or three 15 minute periods of free time throughout the day rather than one 30-45 minute period. Studies have proven that people who run three times a day for 15 minute duration reap practically the same physical benefits as those who run for once for 45 minutes.