Sunday, August 23, 2015

Finding the Time for Exercise is Easier Than You May Think


As a working mom with a busy professional and family life, you may be struggling with how to commit to a regular exercise class.  For example, you may be able to get to a 6PM exercise class one night a week, but that time slot is already committed to children, church, volunteer activities or other commitments every other night.   We tend to slip into an all or nothing mindset,  telling ourselves, "If I can only workout once a week, then why bother?"

Why not change the way you think about this?   Most of our lives have some periods of free time nearly every day - they just don't always occur at the same time each day.

 Here is just one example of the way you may be able to fit in a group exercise class three times a week:

                     *           One morning a week, I will get up early and go to a 6AM class.  If I have to get to work a little later than usual, then I can stay a little later to make up the time.

                     *            One evening a week, I will pick the children up from school a little earlier, have an easy dinner for the family (sandwiches maybe) and then go to a later 6:55 PM class once everyone is working on homework or watching TV.

                     *             On Sunday afternoon, I will go to to an afternoon class.  I doubt anyone will miss me at home for just one hour.

  Campbell Station Jazzercise in Knoxville, Tennessee  is a woman-owned business, and we created our 40 class a week schedule to provide women with many options.  By taking advantage of flexible scheduling, you should be able to easily identify three hours a week that you can fit in a class.  You can then try to get in a light walk around your neighborhood, or some simple strength training exercises at home on your "off" days.

Here are some other options:
         
      *    If you work a 4 day work week, take a morning class on your day off.

                  *    If your children go to preschool part-time, take a class on the days that they are at preschool.  Mid-morning or early afternoon classes might work well.

                  *    Find a class that meets while your children are at soccer or band practice.  Go to your class while they are at practice.

                  *    Attend a Saturday class.

                   *    Attend an early Sunday morning class and then attend a later church service.

Our schedule features classes at 6AM, 8:25 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 3:40 PM, 5:50 PM, and 6:55 PM most every day during the week, 7:45 AM, 8:45 AM, and 9:30 AM classes on Saturdays, and 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM classes on Sundays.