getting in better shape with little time for exercise?

Rattlehead · 03-18-2009, 06:02 PM

I want to get into better physical shape, as I've gotten a little soft over the last couple years. Unfortunately I maintain a very hectic schedule running 2 businesses as well as doing contract work on the side. So usually my days are very long and don't end up actually ending until around midnight. Most of that time is spent at a computer or drawing table.

How could I get myself into better shape, lose some weight when I have very little time for proper exercise?

Obviously modifying my diet is the first way to start but beyond that does anyone have any advice?

shikashika · 03-18-2009, 06:11 PM

sorry but you can't expect to get into better shape with no exercise.

Eating healthy is always important, but you need to find time for exercise.

It's like saying how can I do better on my Math test, but I don't have time to actually study any Math.

shuttlefish · 03-18-2009, 06:16 PM

Get where you can - climb stairs, walk at lunch time, pushups/crunches here and there. It's a challenge but every little bit helps.

shikashika · 03-18-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuttlefish

Get where you can - climb stairs, walk at lunch time, pushups/crunches here and there. It's a challenge but every little bit helps.

see, but this is the sort of stuff people should be doing anyway... even if they hate fitness.

get up half an hour earlier and go for a run...even if you have to get up at 4:30. Bike to work, even if you have to bike in heavy traffic and it takes you an hour and a half. Taking the stairs or walking should be a no-brainer.

Will D Ness · 03-18-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlehead

... does anyone have any advice?

Yes, you can get rid of that avatar! I know it would make ME feel better! LOL.

All kidding aside, I think it's pretty smart of you to ask this question here. There is a big variety of folks here and you'll likely get some good suggestions. You know what they say, asking for help is always the hardest step...

I have the same problem in my schedule only mine is travel, travel, travel. Unpredictable, long hours that never seem to lead me past a healthy food choice. And I NEVER have the energy to hit the exercise room at the hotel. So, we improvise...

Can you find stairs in the buildings in which you work and avoid the elevators?
Can you park in far-off spots and force yourself to walk farther to restaurants, stores, offices, etc.?
Can you switch your diet over to whole grain and whole wheat breads (most restaurants, even fast food, now offers this option)?
Can you stash an apple, a pear, an orange, some good cheese and nuts in your briefcase? With your schedule, you're going to do better squeezing in little meals more frequently than bigger meals 3 times a day.
Can you avoid skipping breakfast. This is a big, big secret. Don't do it. Get that metabolism running in the morning by throwing some wood on the fire...
Can you start very simply with some squats and some crunches and some push ups at night before you turn in?

I think with your schedule, you're going to have to find small, short solutions and ease into the lifestyle. Eat the elephant one bite at a time, as they say. You'll get there.

All the best.

Jeremiah Johnson · 03-18-2009, 06:21 PM

Get into the wonderful and ancient world of body weight conditioning.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Cheap with minimal or no equipment necessary and you can do a lot of these exercises anywhere.

Good luck.

greywolf · 03-18-2009, 06:49 PM

Never use an elevator. Always take the stairs. Park farther than you normally would...

Cognitive_Canine · 03-18-2009, 06:51 PM

Do you work at a desk often?

Little changes like elevating your work desk higher so that you can stand for work, getting one of those large balls to sit on for balance, or walking around with a headset when taking phonecalls can do a lot over time.

Jeremiah Johnson · 03-18-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by debaser_wolf

Do you work at a desk often?

Little changes like elevating your work desk higher so that you can stand for work, getting one of those large balls to sit on for balance, or walking around with a headset when taking phonecalls can do a lot over time.

We had those bouncy balls for computer chairs at Google. We also had razor scooters to ride around the data center with (place was enormous). Unfortunately, they had so many free snacks, the extra activity didn't really matter.

tinu · 03-18-2009, 06:55 PM

diet control - chuck anything that is white. white rice, white bread. Pack your own lunch if possible that way you eat healthier. Increase protein intake. Cut white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and fat to bare minimum.
Totally eliminating exercise won't cut it for anyone trying to get into better shape in my opinion, but I may be wrong.
Try smart exercises like jumping on a rope, Turbo Jam's 20 min exercise session.
Do some resistance exercises at least if you don't have time for aerobic exercises.

03-18-2009, 06:02 PM	#1
Rattlehead Offline Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Gender: Male Posts: 14	getting in better shape with little time for exercise? I want to get into better physical shape, as I've gotten a little soft over the last couple years. Unfortunately I maintain a very hectic schedule running 2 businesses as well as doing contract work on the side. So usually my days are very long and don't end up actually ending until around midnight. Most of that time is spent at a computer or drawing table. How could I get myself into better shape, lose some weight when I have very little time for proper exercise? Obviously modifying my diet is the first way to start but beyond that does anyone have any advice?

03-18-2009, 06:49 PM	#7
greywolf Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Good question... Gender: Female Posts: 5,182	Never use an elevator. Always take the stairs. Park farther than you normally would... __________________ "I'll never understand this until I get my penis." ~hersmudders "Give me life. Give me pain. Give me myself again." ~Tori Amos Pacquiao is gonna beat Cotto's ass!! w00t!

03-18-2009, 06:11 PM	#2
shikashika Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Gender: Female Age: 32 Posts: 5,297	sorry but you can't expect to get into better shape with no exercise. Eating healthy is always important, but you need to find time for exercise. It's like saying how can I do better on my Math test, but I don't have time to actually study any Math.

03-18-2009, 06:16 PM	#3
shuttlefish Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,667	Get where you can - climb stairs, walk at lunch time, pushups/crunches here and there. It's a challenge but every little bit helps.

03-18-2009, 06:21 PM	#6
Jeremiah Johnson Offline Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Georgia Gender: Male Age: 31 Posts: 568	Get into the wonderful and ancient world of body weight conditioning. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] Cheap with minimal or no equipment necessary and you can do a lot of these exercises anywhere. Good luck.

03-18-2009, 06:51 PM	#8
Cognitive_Canine Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow Gender: Female Posts: 11,321	Do you work at a desk often? Little changes like elevating your work desk higher so that you can stand for work, getting one of those large balls to sit on for balance, or walking around with a headset when taking phonecalls can do a lot over time.

03-18-2009, 06:55 PM	#10
tinu Offline Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: SoCal Gender: Female Age: 31 Posts: 1,433	diet control - chuck anything that is white. white rice, white bread. Pack your own lunch if possible that way you eat healthier. Increase protein intake. Cut white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and fat to bare minimum. Totally eliminating exercise won't cut it for anyone trying to get into better shape in my opinion, but I may be wrong. Try smart exercises like jumping on a rope, Turbo Jam's 20 min exercise session. Do some resistance exercises at least if you don't have time for aerobic exercises.