Please help me try to fit exercise into a busy schedule

[kris97]

Here's my deal: The hours at my job right now are just horrnedous. The past two weeks (which, granted, are worse than usual) I haven't gotten home before 10:45 pm. during the week, and I have had to work or go to family functions each weekend day since mid November. I'm a runner, so normally I prefer to run, but with this schedule, and the weather, it just isn't happening. I'd really like to avoid joining a gym if possible because they are *so* expensive in NYC, and once warmer weather hits, all I would use it for is as a shower (I hate running indoors!).

Which leaves me with quandary: what can I do during the 1/2 hour I'm awake at night that will help me get back in shape? I already do situps right before passing out, but I need more tips. It's just so frustrating, to want so badly to lose the 5 pounds that have crept on in the past year, but to, literally, have no time to work out. :(

[tlew12778]

Well, the main problem is that you need cardio and unless you have a huge apt or a treadmill/elyptical at home (doesn't sound like it) that's going to be hard to squeeze in while indoors IMO. For more muscle toning you could get some light weights and just do reps while watching TV or something. It would tone your arms at least.

If you're willing to spend the money and you have the space, what about a spinning bike? That'd a more contained cardio option for apt living IMO. I love spinning... granted, you'd have to know how to spin or buy some videos if they even make those (I am sure they do... why wouldn't they?).

Another option is a step with some videos. 30 min of step is pretty good esp. if you can do it at least every other day... I do an hour and I am ready to pass out at the end of the hour so 30 min is moderate IMO.

I know a lot of people love pilates but honestly it bores me to tears. It's not cardio either... but some people swear they've lost weight with it. Same with yoga.

[jeanine]

I definitely recommend some aerobic videos (the firm, tae bo). It's much easier to fit into the schedule than going to a gym - and it will definitely help you lose those pesky 5 lbs.

I also mix about 30 seconds of jump roping between toning exercises (squats with a stability ball, one leg toe touches, one-leg bent over squats, lunges, etc). That way I'm getting cardio and toning in one workout.

[Asha]

this may sound silly but i sometimes do "aerobic dancing" in my living room. dancing is the best exercise. put on some fun music and not only will you get a good workout, but you will be happier too. i was in the best shape of my life when i did this consistently.

[Kellijo14]

Do you have lots of steps at work? I have one building that only has four flights of stairs, but on nights that I have to work late, I sneak out to them and jog them for about 15-20 minutes. Just enough to get my heart rate going.

I also bought Yourself!Fitness, which there was a thread on that somewhere... but I can do cardio with the game for 15 or 30 minutes. The game is less than $40 and can be used on the PC, xBox or Playstation. I like it because at home, all I have to have is the game to play. No expensive equipment.