Our culture tends to look upon fitness as an optional thing, but meanwhile, healthcare costs are through the roof, medical facilities are taxed to the hilt, and obesity is at epidemic proportions. The No. 1 excuse in our society for not keeping fit is lack of time. It can be challenging, but we must invest if we are to have quality of life, lengthen our lives and optimize our productive years. There are no alternatives here.

If lack of time is indeed the culprit, then the question becomes how to strategize and structure a battle plan for a fitness routine that is consistent and sustainable. There are several factors to consider when deciding when to work out. We must find that sweet spot that satisfies the demands on our time and ensures that we are in “the zone” for training, with our energy at optimum levels and our minds primed for the pump.

Our culture tends to look upon fitness as an optional thing, but meanwhile, healthcare costs are through the roof, medical facilities are taxed to the hilt, and obesity is at epidemic proportions.

EARLY A.M.

When I say early a.m., I mean before the regular work day. This is a great time for burning calories after awakening from a night of sleep, when the body is primed to burn fat. Your mind is also free of clutter and better able to focus on exercise. If you get out the door with a protein shake in hand, then you can practically be finished training before you are truly awake.

Training at this time probably takes the most discipline because it requires retiring early, rising early and exercising on an virtually empty stomach — but it can be very liberating to have it out of the way as you start your work day refreshed.

LUNCH BREAK

There are studies that show when people work out during their regular work day, they are more productive in the workplace. Some corporations actually provide fitness breaks for their employees — on company time — for these very reasons.

You also have to plan your meals accordingly when you train during lunch because you should not do strenuous exercise immediately after eating. So you need to carb up on your morning coffee break and have food on your afternoon coffee break. Tupperware can be your best friend. This also saves you big bucks on lunch and is healthier too.

AFTER WORK

Most people train at this time, meaning the gyms are the most full. However, training when you are still in “work mode” can be beneficial for getting your game face on by simply carrying over the momentum. Again, a pre-made fruit smoothie with protein after you get off work takes the edge off before you get home for dinner.

LATE EVENING

Sometimes late in the evening is the most beneficial time to train. Fewer people choose to train after 7 p.m. so the gyms are less congested. This time is also beneficial to burning calories if you don’t eat after dinner. You go to the gym and burn off your meal, then refrain from ingesting any more calories after you train and go to sleep shortly thereafter. This theoretically means 8-10 hours away from food with your metabolic rate in high gear and primed for burning calories while you sleep.

Your options may be limited with regard to when you can pull off your training, but be creative and find the time to work it into your life. You will find that it will be easily absorbed into your lifestyle if you give it priority.

© Copyright RosebudMag.com, 2012