“I don’t have time to work out today.” “I couldn’t get a work out in last week because I was so busy.” “I don’t like exercising.” How many times have you said something like this? How many days have you missed a work out or weeks for that matter? You may be thinking, “what’s it matter anyway?” Here is the matter…the person who does not make time for exercise must eventually make time for illness.
Do You Have Time For Illness?
One way to keep our bodies healthy is to exercise. With our busy schedules it can seem tough to commit to a regular routine. Perhaps you have to go out of town for a week. Maybe your work day starts at 6am and you don’t get home till late in the evening. I understand…I do, but you have to understand something. If you don’t take care of your body, it will cost you big time. Without exercise and a good diet, you are more prone to sickness. And sickness will make you take time, even if you don’t have it. So why not be proactive and take the time to exercise?
Exercise and diet can fend off illness. You may think you don’t have time, but if you are sick more often, you are losing time. You are losing work time, family time, and quality time. Illness will put you on your back and potentially even on your death bed. But committing to exercise 3-5x a week can completely change that. You will be less prone to illness, you will be healthier, and more likely to live a longer life.
I Assure You That You Do
You may be thinking that you don’t have time to exercise, but I assure you that you do. It doesn’t take much time to exercise. You can get your heart rate elevated and a good workout in with only 15-30 minutes a day. Check out any of the High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts and you can easily change your life in under 30 minutes, 3-5x a week. If you cannot spare 15-30 minutes, 3-5x a week, then you may have a priority problem. If you can spare that, but don’t feel like it, you have a motivation problem. Either way, if you want to be healthier, fix the problem!!!
Quick question: How much TV do you watch a day? If the answer is at least 15 minutes, then you have the time. If you are not exercising, then you are choosing not to. Hell, why not exercise while you are watching the TV? Can’t you do both? Sure you can, but will you?
“But I Can’t Do That”
Okay…so you looked up some HIIT workouts on the Internet and start to wonder if the 5and2Guy is crazy. Does he really expect you to just start kicking butt with HIIT trainings? No, that is not what I am suggesting. Like anything else you have to start small. Jim Rohn use to say that if you are capable of getting up, going outside, and taking a lap around the house, then you should do it. If you don’t that is just being lazy.
Here is another example Mr. Rohn use to use. If you are asked to do push ups and you can only do five, is that the best you can do? The answer is no. If you rest a little bit, you can do five more. Then if you rest some more you can do five more. Then if you rest some more, you can do ten. How did you get from five push ups to ten? You know the answer, if you keep at it, you will improve.
Persistence Is The Answer
“That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved.” –RALPH WALDO EMERSON
We have to keep at it. Each time you do something, you will get better at it. It doesn’t have to be a big action. It can be a small one, but you have to keep at it. Persistence is the name of the game here. Commit to exercising regularly and watch how much easier it becomes. Then, something funny will happen. Once it becomes easier, you will start to challenge yourself more. You will naturally push your body more to become better. Next thing you know, those HIIT workouts are doable.
Also with persistence, a habit will be formed. If you form the habit of working out 3-5 times a week, then it no longer takes willpower to convince you to work out. Working out is just something that you do. Pretty soon, you are feeling better, looking better, and energized.
Final Thoughts
Ask yourself, “Am I healthy? Am I doing enough to live as long of a life as possible?” If you get out of breath simply by walking, can’t touch your toes, or are really overweight, you have to re-think what you’re doing. You CAN do better. You OWE it to yourself. You OWE it to your family. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be around as long. Don’t you want to live as long as possible? To be in your kids’ lives as long as possible?
I really want to stress how, with as little as 15-30 minutes, 3-5x a week can change your life and extend your life. You CAN do it. I know you can. You HAVE to take the time and invest it in yourself. With just a little bit of effort, your entire world could change. Don’t say you “haven’t the time.” You have the time, so TAKE IT. Take it before time takes you!!!