Workout tips for busy professionals

A normal day for most busy people consists of a constant string of tasks: go to work, get the kids ready for school, unload the dishwasher, mow the lawn, etc. The problem is, there isn't any room in the day for exercise! At least, it seems so. Students in college, professors, businessmen and women, and others from all fields of work often confront this same dilemma. There are many pressures on how we spend our bit of free time. However, the quality of the exercise done often trumps the quantity of it. Here are some ways to get the most out of your few minutes of exercise time.

1. When traveling, pick a hotel that has a gym. If none are available, you can also buy a guest pass at a local gym for a small fee. you should also travel with resistance tubing, which can provide you with a cheap and effective workout, even in a small hotel room.

2. Consider a healthy meal-delivery program. Subscribing to a meal-delivery program takes all the guesswork out of weight loss & weight management. Some programs will deliver to you nationwide, even when you’re on the road.

3. Sleep, sleep, sleep. This is one thing that you should not compromise on. Getting 7-8 hours each night will improve your overall health and help you to shed weight more easily.

4. Block out time for exercise to keep your mind sharp. Exercise isn’t just for your body. It also helps you maximize your energy and maintain a sharp mind. Schedule it as you would a meeting or doctor’s appointment, and stick to it. Aim for four 30-60-minute sessions per week.

5. Multitask. If you’re really short on time, you can answer emails while peddling on a stationary bike, or read business briefs while running on the treadmill.

6. Stay motivated. Many busy working people can let fitness slide, but it’s important to remember how integral physical health is to achieving and maintaining your personal and professional goals. Make a list of all the ways fitness will benefit you in your life, then post them around your home and office to motivate you even when you feel like skipping a workout.

7. Get creative about working out at work. Wear a headset and pace while you talk on the phone. Remember that standing burns twice as many calories as sitting. Stretch each hour, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and deliver messages to coworkers in person rather than through email.

8. Be smart during business lunches and dinners. They can be high in calories, fat and sodium, which can sidetrack your fitness goals. Choose healthy restaurants, so that low-calorie choices are available, and schedule your business dinners earlier to avoid consuming a heavy meal right before bedtime. If you’re drinking alcohol, choose beverages without high-calorie mixers, such as a glass of wine, vodka and soda water, a martini or a tequila on the rocks.

9. Always get your regular checkups. These are essential to early detection of nearly every disease. Schedule them in pen.

10. Remember that knowledge is power. Become familiar with calorie counting and label reading so that you can make informed decisions about your nutrition. Use a calorie-counting app on your phone, or invest in an inexpensive pocket calorie counter that you can always carry with you.