Yes, our lives are busier than ever, and Americans are working…a lot. According to last year’s Gallup Work and Education poll, the majority of full-time workers reported working on average, 47 hours a week, while one in five work 60 hours or more per week. Salary.com reports that a stay-at-home parent works an average of 94 hours a week. Juggling work, kids and other responsibilities is time consuming and demanding.
It can be difficult to find time to exercise when we feel increasingly pushed and pulled in so many directions. Or, is it just the opposite, and must we find time to exercise when we feel pushed and pulled in so many directions?
The importance of exercise is well documented. “Exercise has both physical and psychological benefits,” says Niki Gauthier, owner of Niki G’s Fitness. “In a nutshell, this means it’s good for your heart and good for your mind. It’s also a great way to decompress.” Studies say it takes about three weeks to form a new habit, so patience is imperative.
5 Ways to Make Time to Exercise
- Make It A Priority – Schedule your exercise as you would any important appointment, such as a doctor’s appointment, or client meeting. It’s non–cancellable unless you have an emergency. Eventually it will become a habit.
- Start Small – If just the thought of exercise overwhelms you, start small with even 10 minutes a day. Use apps to assist you with pre-programmed short workouts and increase the time you exercise as you progress.
- Take The Kids – If you have young children but don’t have a babysitter, bring them with you! Get the stroller out. Pushing a stroller, especially up hill, will help build your muscles and will increase your heart rate quicker too.
- Easily Transferable – If you travel frequently with your job, pick an exercise you can do anywhere. Also, most hotels have fitness centers that you can take advantage of. Another option is to bring your own fitness DVD.
- Experiment – Try different forms of exercise and find the one that’s right for you. Just because your friend runs five miles a day doesn’t mean that’s the right exercise for you. There are so many forms of exercise to try – walking, biking, Pilates, Yoga and Boot Camp.
Niki G’s Boot Camp is multi-dimensional and includes cardio drills, resistance training, stretching and plyometrics. You’ll never do the same work out twice. Some classes are held in-studio or at gyms, while others are held outdoor, which adds further variety to your workout – and it’s fun too.
Niki G’s offers alternative ways of performing a drill to ensure you never get bored or hit a plateau. Each workout is designed with a purpose, with a focus on each muscle group planned on a rotating schedule so that you can attend class two days in a row if you choose. To help keep the workouts interesting, different theme weeks are incorporated as well.
Niki Gauthier has more than 19 years of experience as a fitness expert. Niki G’s Fitness specializes in fitness for women by women that emphasizes small group personal training with communication and interaction outside of class to help keep you committed and accountable.
In addition, Niki G’s Fitness is unique because it offers so much beyond exercise. It includes regular challenges, ongoing nutritional education, personal coaching and accountability from Niki G’s team of trainers, exclusive newsletters, a private Facebook group and more.
Niki G’s has six convenient locations, with two right here in Williamson County. Click here to sign up for a FREE introductory class. If you love it, continue for as little as $140 per month. Otherwise, there’s no obligation.
Click here to find a class today at Niki G’s Fitness in Franklin, Brentwood, Lenox Village, Southeast Nashville, Belle Meade and Mt. Juliet.
Niki G’s is celebrating its 6th Anniversary! Click here for story and photos.
Niki G’s classes are held at Franklin Athletic Center. (FAC membership not required.)
