Getting exercise

[redmage22]

Here's the scoop.

I'm currently going to school during the spring right now at the local University. I live on my own and I work full time on top of this as well. On top of THAT I have a literature heavy double major so reading eats up all my spare time and then some.

I'm finding that I'm not moving around much or at all and it's starting to affect my physical shape a little drastically. I'm not saying I'm morbidly obese or anything, but old clothes are not fitting me as well and I've noticed some annoying flab in certain places.

I'm not obsessed with looking good or even avoiding obesity. I'm only concerned about finding a way to keep in shape until I find more time to actually commit to a regimine of exercie.

What can I do? Are there some exercise I can perform that I can do about 10-15 mintures each time for about 4-5 times per day to keep my muscles tone and certain, and often used, parts of my body strong? What kind of exercises would you recommend for a guy who has little time for himself? I'm really in a bind here. I don't want to get so heavy or out of shape that it starts to affect my psychological health.

[m12988]

I too am a busy college student and I use a treadmill (not running but i do a fast walk, which is just as good to keep fit). I actually use it maybe 25-30 minutes a day about 5 days a week. I like to use it to relax (no school work at that moment) and I have a TV/dvd player in front of it....so basically..i can enjoy a 30 minute sitcom and exercise at the same time. I know that schoolwork can take up a lot of your time...but if you put the books down for about 30 minutes and exercise and watch tv (or listen to the ipod or whatever you like best), it'll make you feel better, refreshed, and more energized and motivated to finish that studying.

Also, drink more water. I feel about 100x better because i replaced my soda drinking habit with water. Soda does affect studying i believe...sometimes because you kinda crash. Water keeps your head more clear. I love soda, so i continue to drink about 1 soda a day. I lost a lot of weight in my stomach area (and my fiance's brother also lost his soda belly) just from slacking off soda. So just another thought if you want to feel better and healthier.

[BornToResist]

Is there any way you could squeeze in bike riding? Just instead of driving someplace close or around your university, take the bike instead?

I have limited time as well and take my bike wherever I can, it seems to help. Also running when I have a spare 15-30 minutes really can kick your butt into shape.

Good luck!

[Russ]

Stick with the basics, dude.

You can exercise almost any part of your body using bodyweight compound exercises such as push ups. They are most simple, but easily most effective.

I spend about a half hour a day doing some basic muscle maintenance [to keep my biceps from going totally inwards] and ab work, all compound bodyweight exercises.

Also, diet is usually much more key than anything. You lose 400-500 calories on a good workout. It's infinite times easier to cut out those 500 calories for the day.

Drink cold water as much as possible. If this is temporary, and you're not building muscle, you can simply live primarily on green food. You don't need as protein. And even so, you can get it from spinach, etc. It's not healthy to make it a lifestyle, but I don't see any harm in doing it for a month or two. Call it a detox period, even.

[RayKay]

I am a full-time law student (heavy, heavy workload), commute a couple hours a day, I work part-time, have a mortgage to pay and a house to run, a relationship to maintain, family I am very close too, volunteer during the week....and am passionate about my physical fitness and my athletics.

My key is to get up early - as in 4 or 5 am early and do my workouts then (generally 1.5-2 hours worth). Then they are done before the day gets started (no excuses later in day!) and I feel good I get it done. And it really wakes me up.

During summer I aim to commute to work everyday via my bike, so that tags on about an hour of cycling a day (in addition to running/yoga).

You just have to make the time to do it, when you can do it and make it a commitment to yourself.

[RayKay]

Originally Posted by Super Dud

There is always a reason or excuse as to why people can't exercise, time being the most used one. I think the posters who have already responded have given some really usefel tips. I use my bike, even for short trips where i won't break into too much of a sweat. I find it really helps, and over the course of a week, i may get 70 miles in, which for me is quite a bit.

Yup, another good idea is if you are just running an errand - say to drop off some drycleaning or pick up some milk - either get on the bike or lace up your running or walking shoes and take a light pack (most trips are within a couple miles from home after all if you live in the city!). I regularly run my weekend errands, literally and it can really add up over the day!

[hmdreamer7]

I was a double music major in college and found myself often 'living' in the music department as I spent long hours on campus. If you find yourself in a situation where you've been sitting in the same place for hours, or know that you'll be in the same place for a long time, I would schedule a couple of really short, 5-10 minute breaks, and just go outside and take a walk. Go up and down a flight of stairs. Walk once or twice around the building you're in. Taking these small steps will help alleviate some stress from your day and make you feel more apt to exercising.

Stretching is also very important - if you aren't doing it on a daily basis, even if you don't get any exercise in that day, you should still stretch your body out! It will definitely help your posture and (for me, anyway) is a great way to start or end your day.