“I just don’t have the time…”
That’s what we would call an actual third world problem.
People in the third world don’t have time to exercise because they’re poor and malnourished so all their time is devoted to securing basic necessities just to survive another day.
You live in the West, and you choose to live that way?
Regardless of how much financial wealth you may have, if your life is spent slaving to the grind so much so that you can’t get 45 minutes of exercise in 2 to 3x per week, your life isn’t that much different than some poor kid in a third world country.
Carving out 45 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week, for exercise is not a first-world luxury; it's a responsibility to yourself and a reminder of the privileges we often take for granted.
Paradoxically, dedicating time to exercise actually makes you more productive. It sharpens your focus, boosts creativity, and helps you tackle your daily tasks with more efficiency.
So, you end up in a time surplus with just a little upfront investment.
The problem often stems from prioritization issues, ineffective time management, and neglecting exercise as a responsibility as crucial as any daily hygiene habit.
Here are 5 effective ways to manage your time for incorporating exercise into your routine:
Train with Intensity, Not Frequency: Instead of frequent workouts, focus on 2-3 sessions per week, each lasting 40 minutes. Push yourself to task failure during these sessions, maximizing the effectiveness of each set and reducing the need for more sets. Learn how to do this here.
Embrace Morning Workouts: Make exercise the first thing on your agenda by training in the morning. This ensures that life's distractions and unexpected events won't interfere with your workout plans later in the day.
Post-Work Exercise: Head straight to the gym after work, or if necessary, stop by home briefly but avoid sitting down. Stay in the training mindset.
Prepare in Advance: Set yourself up for success by preparing the night before. Have essentials like a protein shake, water, and any necessary equipment ready to go. In most cases, you don't need much beyond a pair of straps, so keep it simple.
Conduct a Time Audit: Spend a day tracking your activities to identify where your time is being spent. Differentiate between essential tasks and time-wasting activities like scrolling through social media or watching sports news.
Remember, as a modern man, failing to prioritize exercise is a disservice to your future self, your family, and your community. By setting higher standards for ourselves, we can positively influence those around us.
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Rest assured, I've got you covered, allowing you to stay focused on your mission.