A personal trainer explains how to integrate a work-out regimen
into a busy schedule
We’re all so busy. As life exerts its demands on our schedules, we prioritize the use of our time. And once all the urgent tasks are done, there is often no time left in our packed schedules for daily exercise. Is it possible for busy people to stay fit? Can we build time in our day for exercise? We asked Anikó Kaszás, a personal fitness trainer and working actress in Toronto, for her advice on how to stay fit even when you’re really busy.
Question: Anikó, regular exercise is the path to fitness. But many people have difficulty squeezing regular exercise regimens into their daily schedules. How can they work out when their schedules are already full?
Answer: I recommend that, if possible, work out first thing in the morning, before the demands of the day overwhelm you. Set aside a morning routine a few times a week and get it done before you can talk yourself out of it.
Q: How often do we need to exercise to maintain an optimal fitness level?
A: It’s entirely dependent on how sedentary your lifestyle is. Ideally, you move throughout your day, whether you walk with the family or cycle to work instead of driving. On top of that, between two and five workouts a week can be a great complement.
Q: What kind of exercise do we need to engage in to get fit?
A: We benefit differently from cardio, strength-training and mobility work. Incorporating all of these elements is important.
Q: With family responsibilities, it is often difficult for parents of young children to exercise. What advice do you have for parents who want to get fit?
A: Involve your children. I live in the same house as my five-year-old nephew. His favourite activity is to run around me while I work out. He runs in circles the entire time I am training. The boundless energy children have can overwhelm us at times, but by including them in our exercise program, we can bond with them while teaching them the value of regular physical activity.
Q: One component of a healthy life is sleep. How can busy people get enough sleep?
A: This is tough because our society has put a premium on productivity. “Rest” has become a four-letter word. Prioritizing sleep can be difficult, but recognizing that you’re at your best when you’re rested may help you learn to say no to demands that will deprive you of sleep. It’s difficult, but sacrificing social events and refraining from over-programming yourself will benefit you in the long run, and you’ll see results from your training.
Q: What else do we need to do to ensure that we are successful with our exercise regimens?
A: Stick to it even if it’s not perfect. I see people skipping workouts because they can’t commit to a full hour at the gym. Instead of giving up on those days, you can be proud of completing 20 minutes of conditioning at home. On set days, I run the flights of stairs in my condo building if I’m pressed for time. Commit to the long-term accumulation of minutes spent moving. It adds up.
Q: We are surrounded by influences that urge us to strive for perfect bodies. How can we withstand those pressures while working to get fit?
A: Companies make money from your dissatisfaction with yourself, which is why they tell you their product can “fix” you. I see this often in both industries in which I work. Affirming to yourself that you are not broken can alleviate the pressure to be perfect. Work hard, eat well, and allow yourself time for rest and relaxation. The rest is gravy.
