Logistics advice: how to fit in workouts on busy days - Page 2

KarenJo · 11-09-21, 12:59 PM

On high-stress-no-time days I like to do something for my mental and emotional health as well as my physical health. I often do a 10 or 15 minute bedtime stretch to both unkink and to relax before sleep. Sometimes I even do it on the bed if I won't disturb DH. Then I try for at least 5 minutes of meditation in bed before I fall asleep. Occasionally I'm asleep before 5 minutes. These not only help me sleep better but are things I find I need to do daily to keep my body and brain working smoothly. They feel like a reward for getting through the day as well as checking off the Doing Something box, so I look forward to it. And I know if I don't do them I won't sleep as well and won't feel as good the next day.

Jane P. · 11-09-21, 01:51 PM

I am not as busy as you are, but I only exercise 5 days a week. I find that something always comes up and I miss a day. I don't sweat it, and just exercise the next day. I found 6 days a week just never happened for me so I went down to 5.

I guess I'm saying don't lock yourself into a schedule that just adds more stress in your life. You've received excellent suggestions, but allow yourself a break, maybe just not do it on your busy days.

Lori_Michigan · 11-09-21, 03:50 PM

I have two full days in office, and three at home. Weekends are primarily chauffeuring teenagers to events/games and I also do freelance work, and never-ending outside work/housework.

I used to want to work out six days a week. Tried and failed. Gave myself multiple injuries. I'm also nearly 50 now, so perimenopause has kicked my butt.

My current schedge: I only work out on the days that I'm home. I do mostly metabolic weight workouts (Cathe) followed by a CS/Ess, combined is about an hour. On the days in the office, I try to just walk on the treadmill in the evening after dinner for about half an hour and listen to a podcast but I don't exhaust myself and if I'm too tired then I'm too tired. I try to do a CS/Essentrics workout on Saturdays before taking care of everything else. If I don't do it before, it doesn't get done.

I've tried fitting in smaller chunks on long days but even that was too much. I find I'm better mentally and without as many injuries if I just keep it simple.

hdw · 11-09-21, 06:02 PM

When my twins were babies, I take 1-2 hour nap when they go to bed. After a nap, I am fresh 'again' to work out. Then back to bed. Wake up when they get up in the morning. Weird schedule, but it worked for me.

DCW · 11-09-21, 10:32 PM

When I started my exercise journey, I put my exercise mat beside my bed. When my feet hit the floor and felt the mat, it reminded me to do my situps, planks and pushups for a few minutes. It wasn't a lot but it got me started. Yes I slept in my exercise clothes too.

Scorpio6 · 11-10-21, 08:52 PM

Get Victoria Principal's book. Movie stars have hellacious schedules, too. I think The Body Principal might be the name of the book. You can get it on Amazon.

ellaenchanted · 11-10-21, 09:05 PM

I would just do 5 days. Rest and managing stress is just as important as exercise.

bzar · 11-11-21, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpio6

Get Victoria Principal's book. Movie stars have hellacious schedules, too. I think The Body Principal might be the name of the book. You can get it on Amazon.

or the public library.

i remember when that book came out in the 80s - it was all the rage.

jennstar · 11-12-21, 01:21 AM

I work in health care, in a busy hospital working nights. I prioritize sleep on my working days and aim to get at least 7-8k steps. I don’t worry about working out, because I hit it hard on my off days with weights and cardio. Don’t worry about working out in your long stressful days, just try to get steps and maybe mini 5 minute stretches and walks.

DCW · 11-12-21, 09:32 PM

Jennstar I am loving your idea. I am headed back to the office with more days required. I have been trying to figure out how to make my workouts the same. I think your approach is doable for me, too.

Thanks!

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11-09-21, 12:59 PM
KarenJo VF Supporter Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Central Valley, California	On high-stress-no-time days I like to do something for my mental and emotional health as well as my physical health. I often do a 10 or 15 minute bedtime stretch to both unkink and to relax before sleep. Sometimes I even do it on the bed if I won't disturb DH. Then I try for at least 5 minutes of meditation in bed before I fall asleep. Occasionally I'm asleep before 5 minutes. These not only help me sleep better but are things I find I need to do daily to keep my body and brain working smoothly. They feel like a reward for getting through the day as well as checking off the Doing Something box, so I look forward to it. And I know if I don't do them I won't sleep as well and won't feel as good the next day. __________________ Karen Jo I now have a doctor's order to never again do push ups (yippee!)

11-09-21, 01:51 PM
Jane P. VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Colorado Springs	I am not as busy as you are, but I only exercise 5 days a week. I find that something always comes up and I miss a day. I don't sweat it, and just exercise the next day. I found 6 days a week just never happened for me so I went down to 5. I guess I'm saying don't lock yourself into a schedule that just adds more stress in your life. You've received excellent suggestions, but allow yourself a break, maybe just not do it on your busy days. __________________ "The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." Leo Tolstoy

11-09-21, 03:50 PM
Lori_Michigan Join Date: Feb 2014	I have two full days in office, and three at home. Weekends are primarily chauffeuring teenagers to events/games and I also do freelance work, and never-ending outside work/housework. I used to want to work out six days a week. Tried and failed. Gave myself multiple injuries. I'm also nearly 50 now, so perimenopause has kicked my butt. My current schedge: I only work out on the days that I'm home. I do mostly metabolic weight workouts (Cathe) followed by a CS/Ess, combined is about an hour. On the days in the office, I try to just walk on the treadmill in the evening after dinner for about half an hour and listen to a podcast but I don't exhaust myself and if I'm too tired then I'm too tired. I try to do a CS/Essentrics workout on Saturdays before taking care of everything else. If I don't do it before, it doesn't get done. I've tried fitting in smaller chunks on long days but even that was too much. I find I'm better mentally and without as many injuries if I just keep it simple.

11-09-21, 06:02 PM
hdw VF Supporter Join Date: Dec 2001	When my twins were babies, I take 1-2 hour nap when they go to bed. After a nap, I am fresh 'again' to work out. Then back to bed. Wake up when they get up in the morning. Weird schedule, but it worked for me.

11-09-21, 10:32 PM
DCW Registered User Join Date: Dec 2016	When I started my exercise journey, I put my exercise mat beside my bed. When my feet hit the floor and felt the mat, it reminded me to do my situps, planks and pushups for a few minutes. It wasn't a lot but it got me started. Yes I slept in my exercise clothes too.

11-10-21, 08:52 PM
Scorpio6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: St. Louis MO	Isometrics Get Victoria Principal's book. Movie stars have hellacious schedules, too. I think The Body Principal might be the name of the book. You can get it on Amazon.

11-10-21, 09:05 PM
ellaenchanted Join Date: Aug 2005	I would just do 5 days. Rest and managing stress is just as important as exercise.

11-12-21, 01:21 AM
jennstar Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Missouri	I work in health care, in a busy hospital working nights. I prioritize sleep on my working days and aim to get at least 7-8k steps. I don’t worry about working out, because I hit it hard on my off days with weights and cardio. Don’t worry about working out in your long stressful days, just try to get steps and maybe mini 5 minute stretches and walks.

11-12-21, 09:32 PM
DCW Registered User Join Date: Dec 2016	Jennstar I am loving your idea. I am headed back to the office with more days required. I have been trying to figure out how to make my workouts the same. I think your approach is doable for me, too. Thanks!