Smart Steps
Women business leaders and entrepreneurs from various industries share their tips and advice in a "quick read format" on a variety topics.
Topic: Don't Let Time Constraints Keep You from Exercise
Photo Courtesy: JoJoPro Photography
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Sami is an attorney, fitness trainer, and weight loss coach who believes everyone can find a balanced lifestyle - a commitment to professional goals, family, AND health. Her motto: Something is always better than nothing!
After going through her own weight loss journey, she decided to help others with similar struggles. For the past six years, she has been helping those with busy schedules to lead a healthier lifestyle. Sami is focused on breaking down stereotypes in diet culture and teaching her clients the fundamentals of nutrition and what the body needs to perform. If you are struggling to lose weight, or you are not sure how to make your health a priority, reach out to Sami. |
I have heard it a million times, “I do not have time to work out.”
Truth is, I used to say that exact statement. If you are anything like me, I used to think I had to spend hours in the gym to get results. I would get discouraged on days I couldn’t make it to the gym because I was stuck at work late. But here’s the biggest secret to exercising: Something is always better than nothing.
Rather than beating yourself up for not making it to the gym, let's fit it into your schedule. Reality is you are more than likely doing more activity and exercise on a daily basis than you realize. Have you ever heard of “NEAT”?
What is NEAT? NEAT stands for “Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis.”
Ok, Sami, but what does that mean? NEAT is the energy that we expend for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating or exercise. It can range from walking to performing yard work, running errands to doing laundry, and the list goes on and on.
Some easy ways to fit NEAT into your day:
You can actually burn more calories throughout the day performing NEAT than you burn at the gym. Additionally, there are plenty of activities or workouts that can be done at home when you’re short on time.
Not sure where to start?
Remember, something is always better than nothing.
Truth is, I used to say that exact statement. If you are anything like me, I used to think I had to spend hours in the gym to get results. I would get discouraged on days I couldn’t make it to the gym because I was stuck at work late. But here’s the biggest secret to exercising: Something is always better than nothing.
Rather than beating yourself up for not making it to the gym, let's fit it into your schedule. Reality is you are more than likely doing more activity and exercise on a daily basis than you realize. Have you ever heard of “NEAT”?
What is NEAT? NEAT stands for “Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis.”
Ok, Sami, but what does that mean? NEAT is the energy that we expend for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating or exercise. It can range from walking to performing yard work, running errands to doing laundry, and the list goes on and on.
Some easy ways to fit NEAT into your day:
- Stand more.
- Park at the far end of the parking lot while shopping.
- Pace or walk in place while watching TV.
- Take the long way to the bathroom.
- Opt for stairs rather than the elevator.
- Walk the dog.
You can actually burn more calories throughout the day performing NEAT than you burn at the gym. Additionally, there are plenty of activities or workouts that can be done at home when you’re short on time.
Not sure where to start?
- Schedule a few 10-minute walks into your day.
- Set a daily step goal. Here’s what you’ll burn:
- 10-minute walk is approximately 1,000 steps
- 10,000 steps burn approximately 500 calories
- Do a mini workout at home.
- For example: 100 squats, 100 pushups, 100 sit-ups. Too much? Modify or break it up throughout the day as needed.
- Go for a hike.
- Do a YouTube workout.
Remember, something is always better than nothing.
