What does it take to be healthy? When you really boil it down some of my top recommendations are extremely basic. Eat well. Sleep. Drink Water. And, move your body. Simple, right?
In theory.
Then a work deadline pops up out of the blue. One of your kids gets sick. You get stuck on the interstate, forever. And, then your bestie calls you in tears and begs you to go out for wine. Just like that those basic things that we said we would do to stay healthy?! Well, they’re no longer a priority.
And, the cycle continues.
While I understand that there will be weeks or even months where it’s challenging to find a groove, as your doctor and your friend, I’m here to suggest that if nothing else you keep your body moving. Because, an object in motion … well, you know.
I can’t tell you how many times my patients look at me and say, “I don’t have time to work out.” My response?! Well, I don’t have time not to. This is my life and I want it to be a long one. I want to be able to keep up with my kids when we go biking. I want to be able to bust a move on the dance floor, just like I did in my younger years. And, I want to be able to run around when my future grandkids enter the picture {fingers crossed}.
I get it. Life is BUSY and sometimes making time for exercise seems impossible Yet, it’s not. That is as long as you 1) prioritize and 2) create a {flawless} routine. Not sure where to start? Here are a few things that I do to ensure that my workout is never compromised …
Be efficient. This goes for your workout as well as your getting ready routine. Don’t waste time chatting or daydreaming. Remember the goal is to get the heart pumping, boost the endorphins, and get out.
Quick Wash. The goal is to freshen up quickly and there are many ways to get there. One option is to wash your hair the night before and just rinse off at the gym. You could master the art of showering quickly. Or, there is always dry shampoo.
Five Minute Makeup. Boil your make-up routine down to the bare essentials so that you can glam up quickly. With a foundation, mascara, and a little bit of lip color I feel confident enough to go anywhere. I save the fancy eye shadows for special occasions.
Food Prep. I make my breakfast ahead of time so that there is zero temptation to swing through Starbucks to get a pastry after working out. Pre-peeled hard-boiled eggs are a great way to get some protein in a pinch. Or my other “go-to” is slices tomatoes and avocado.
Dress Simply. When you want to make it from the gym to the office in a snap an outfit with a ton of components isn’t going to cut it. This is why I wear so many dresses! Only one piece of clothing to pick out. Only one piece of clothing to put on.
Believe me gals {and, guys}. If you simplify your routine and focus on efficiency, you’ll never have to pass on exercise again. Even if it’s just a quick session! After years of practice I’ve got it down to a science. At this point I only need thirty minutes in between my work out and my first scheduled patient to freshen up, get dressed, eat breakfast, and drive across town. It’s possible! That is, as long as you want it to be.
No more excuses. Let’s all make time to move!