If They Can Find the Time, So Can You

Image from Cleveland.com

Besides being elected to the office of President of the United States, what do George W. Bush and Barack Obama have in common? Certainly not their politics. There political ideologies are on opposite ends of a continuum. However, both men do share a common belief. They both see the value of fitness. It has widely been reported that Barack Obama requested the construction of a basketball court at the White House. He has been said to start every morning in the gym. (I think his lovely wife, Michelle, has been dropping in too. Have you seen her arms?)

I like a president who can slam dunk!

While in office, George W. was routinely photographed on his morning runs.

People who exercise first thing in the morning like President Bush tend to stick with their exercise routine better than those who work out later in the day.
Image from Fox News

Whether or not you agree with their policies, we can all agree that leaders of nations have stressful jobs that don't end each day at 5:00 p.m. What both Bush and Obama recognize is the benefit that fitness has on their mental clarity and energy.

When I was in college I regularly used the excuse that full-time studies and part-time jobs didn't leave me much time for fitness. As a twenty-something working full time, I was too exhausted most days after giving my all at work. It wasn't until my first child was born that I realized how vital exercise was to leading a healthy life and having the energy to take care of a child. A light bulb went off in my head. There is a helpless child who needs me to take care of his every need. I need to be there for him. That is when I stopped making excuses.

If you are a college student, does your campus have a fitness center? Even most community colleges offer one. Your tuition covers the cost, why not take advantage. Get the blood flowing to the brain and studying will come so much easier.

How about you young working men and women just starting your careers. You are working full time and probably putting in a lot of extra hours to get ahead. Does your company offer a flexible work day? Are you able to come in an hour early so that you can extend your lunch hour? If so, you could do a mid-day workout and still have your evening free. What better way to beat the afternoon energy drain than to fit a workout into the middle of the day.

Are you a stay-at-home parent? The demands of raising a child are underrated. I know, I've been there. There are meals to be prepared, diapers to be changed, laundry, cleaning, etc... Consider starting your day an hour earlier. Get up before the kids and get in a half hour of time for yourself. If losing an hour of sleep doesn't do it for you, consider getting the kids involved in your workout routine. (Remember this post on the subject?) Instead of spending family time taking the kids to a movie complete with butter drenched popcorn, think about activities that incorporate fitness. A day at a skating rink, sledding, biking or playing in the park is just as fun. Trust me, at bed time, you'll be glad that you did. Kids sleep so much more soundly after a full day of activity-and less time at home means less time for the kids to make a new mess for you to clean!

That leaves the rest of us. Regardless of our age or employment status, we can all find time to workout. Do you watch at least 30 minutes of television every day? Take a tip from my blogging friend PK at Room Remix. PK records some of her favorite shows and only watches them while working out.

I ask you, if the leaders of the free world can find time for fitness, can't we all?

Do you have any tried and true solutions for fitting exercise into your day?