It was 6 a.m. and I was talking myself into getting on the treadmill. I wish I could say I LOVED morning workouts; let's just say I'd prefer a cappuccino (or my pillow) at that hour. But sometimes the only way to fit in a workout is to, well... fit it in. Which is how I found myself pressing the Start button, willing my feet to move and hoping my stomping didn't wake the baby.
Between working in the ER, at Sharecare and raising a family, I can find an excuse or two to not work out. I'm sure you can, too. Yet, no matter what my week looks like, I squeeze it in because exercise benefits me far more than the 30 minutes it takes. Not only do my runs energize me, help me think better and be more productive, they give me a great way to release tensions and frustrations (which my family will tell you makes me more tolerable). So instead of being a time drain, the return on the 30-minute investment lasts all day.
Having trouble squeezing in your workout? Try one of these tips.
1. Use exercise to break through a problem. In addition to its effect on mood and brain health, exercise gives an immediate boost to memory, attention and even creativity. Studies have demonstrated increased brainwave activity in the area of executive functioning, increasing people's ability to find more out-of-the-box solutions.
2. Break it into chunks. Too busy for a full workout? Breaking it up through the day works just as well. In trials comparing people who did multiple short workouts to those who did single long ones, those in the multiple, shorter group stuck to their workout better and even worked out more total time. Not surprisingly, they had better weight loss as well. Shoot for a total of 20-40 minutes of exercise per day, four to five days a week.
3. Get to the root of your pain. I've had many patients who limit their workouts because of pain. Whether it's your back, knees or feet, work with a physician to get off the sidelines. I'd suggest starting with either a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist or an orthopedic surgeon who may, in turn, refer you to a physical therapist. Women often have knee pain due to weaker muscles cradling the knee -- but a few key exercises can strengthen those muscles and resolve that. Other problems such as tight muscles, back pain and plantar fasciitis can also be addressed.
4. Don't do it for your thighs. Really. Few of us have enough willpower to drive long-term exercise simply "to look good." In fact, studies have shown that body-related motivations (such as appearance) are not associated with sticking to a regimen. What are? Enjoyment, competence (building a skill) and social interaction. Which is why the "do what you enjoy" dictum is crucial to making fitness stick.
5. Make it social. After a long day of work, I want to catch up with friends and still spend time with my baby. So, I find ways to exercise with them. I'll push my baby in her stroller or take her for a walk with a friend. Finding a workout buddy or fitness group of other women is also shown to increase adherence - they'll rally you, push you to work harder and, well, just get you to show up. Plus they make it more fun.
We all need more time in the day -- and exercise is one of the best ways I know to not only find it, but make yourself ready to take on the world!
Now, I want to know what works for YOU. Tweet me @DrDarria or post my Dr Darria Long GIllespie Facebook page with the tips and tricks you've found to be the most helpful!
This content originally appeared on Sharecare.com. Check out more articles by Dr. Darria Long Gillespie: