Workout Hacks: How to Cheat a Workout in When You’re Busy
How many times have you said the words “I’m too busy to workout,” as the scale numbers begins to rise and doing something as simple as walking up the stairs gets harder? We’re all busy in our own ways and being active must be considered as part as your daily routine, just like eating and sleeping. But I of course understand that sometimes life doesn’t a lot for a 2-hour intense gym session.
For those of you who are busy, here are some little ways you can cheat a workout in when your busy. These tips aren’t about an intense workout but keep in mind that it’s not about intensity, but consistency.
1) Take a 10-15-minute Walk Break Every Hour, on the Hour
You might be thinking, “I don’t have time for a 15-minute walk. I’m busy adulting at my desk and doing big boy/girl things.” Well, even the most productive and engaged person at work isn’t productive for 8 straight hours. I bet you’re even reading this article while you sit at your desk during your “Busy work day”
It isn’t good to sit all day! So, taking time to work for 50-45 minutes and walking for 10-15 minutes will not only keep you moving throughout the day, but it will keep you productive and looking forward to giving you brain and your butt a break during those long work hours.
BONUS: If you really can’t leave your desk that often. Try standing every other hour for 15 minutes. Get a standing desk or prop your computer up with some books! Also incorporate some stretches.
I know the busiest of bees must have to take some time to go to the bathroom during the day. Why not take that time to workout the biggest muscle group in your body? Since most likely you go to the bathroom in a stall (unless you’re in a very rural part of the world) why not bang out 10 proper, deep, body weight squats. No one will know you did them and it only takes a couple of minutes. If you’re drinking the amount of water you should be drinking daily, there should be no problem getting 100 squats in per day.
BONUS: You can also do wall push-ups against the stall to get an upper body workout as well!
I know, during the morning you just want to get in the elevator, get to your desk, and get your sh*t done. Sometimes, you just don’t want to get sweaty in the morning. But train yourself to get moving some way or somehow. In my old office, I worked at the 11th floor. The building was 30 something floors with a crowded elevator every morning and night. So, I figured let me get my extra cardio in!
BONUS: Don’t ride the escalators! They are also stairs. Plus, it’s annoying when people like me are trying to walk and you’re on your phone!
This one is a little bit weird, but you can always sneak them in... Use your chair to do 5-10 dips using your chair. Points if you have a chair with wheels and can keep the chair stable!
BONUS: Try doing it with one leg on the floor only!
These are a few ways I cheat a workout in so I don’t feel bad about hitting the gym one day. The human body isn’t meant to be sedentary, so keep it movin’!
How do you keep moving throughout the day? Do you have any tips! Please share!