P.M. Regime Is No Sweat
Fitting time for ourselves into busy schedules is never easy, especially if it’s to make time for, ugh, exercise. But exercising doesn’t have to be such a challenge--or such a chore--readers point out. We asked those who have found ways to work out faithfully how they manage it, and they were happy to offer tips. We heard last week from readers who pop out of bed at dawn’s early light to start their days with exercise. But for those morning zombies out there, readers today share tips for keeping fit during the afternoon and evening hours.
She’s a Devoted Lunchtime Runner
I work full time, have three young children with busy sports schedules (ages 5, 7 and 10), I’m the treasurer of my church and a runner (marathoner). Therefore I must carefully carve out the time for my workouts. During the workweek, I run three miles during my lunch break (at least three, usually four, days a week)--a typical schedule is as follows:
Noon: Walk to the physical education building at the campus where I work.
12:05: Change into my running clothes.
12:10: Start my three-mile run through the campus and surrounding neighborhood.
12:35: Return to the gym, shower, change, dry hair, make myself presentable.
12:55: Walk back to my office.
1 p.m.: Back at work.
On Saturdays I run four miles in the early morning and on Sundays I run 10-20 miles starting at 6:30 a.m. with the Loma Linda Lopers running and fitness club.
It’s a hectic schedule, but I have been able to fit it all in and maintain a quality workout. I finished this year’s Los Angeles Marathon with a personal record of 3 hours, 51 minutes, 28 seconds!
JUDY LEWIS
Riverside
There’s No Excuse for Not Exercising
I exercise faithfully at least five days a week. “There’s not enough time in a day” is never an excuse. I live by the motto, “There are 24 hours in a day and somewhere in that time period I can find an hour a day for me.” Time or weather is never a factor.
It really doesn’t matter what time of day you do it, but that you do it. Meetings, luncheons and appointments are never excuses. You may have to alter your schedule by waking up earlier or going to the gym later to include exercise. I know that you have at least an hour a day for yourself and most gyms are open 24 hours.
For me, the best time to exercise is usually on my lunch hour at work. I usually run for approximately 40 to 45 minutes at least five days a week. If I have a luncheon or a meeting at lunchtime, I will rearrange my schedule so that I can run either before work or after.
DEBRA E. TYLER
Paramount
Finding the Right Kinds of Workouts
My formula for sticking to a fitness program for 18 years has been to incorporate physical activity into my daily life so that to not “exercise” is abnormal.
The key is to follow my body and participate in an activity I find enjoyable and doable on a consistent basis. For example, I walk every day during my lunch hour (having eaten during my morning break), regardless of weather conditions. In addition, each morning I work out on my mini-trampoline for 10-15 minutes and walk my dog for another 10-15 minutes. I supplement these “workouts” with a few trips to the gym each week for more intense cardio work and weight training. To not follow this routine leaves me with an empty feeling, as if part of my day is missing. Also important is the fact that these are activities I enjoy. And, if I’m not enjoying myself and feeling that I’m giving all I can at the moment, the activity becomes work and not a pleasure.
CHARLENE ASHBORN
Walnut
Right After Work Works for Her
I worked out a schedule with my trainer to come straight from work. My gym bag is always packed with essentials such as shoes, socks, headbands, water and balance bars. After my session, I go home in my gym clothes. This plan saved hours of time every week.
After a few months of this program and with the realization that this would be a lifelong commitment, I became concerned that I wasn’t spending enough time at home. But my husband was so thrilled with the changes in my body, he reassured me that there was no need to feel guilty. We agreed to divide the housework and cook only simple, healthy food. My husband has finally realized that if he wants to spend more time with me and to share interests with me, that he too must pursue an exercise program: He began personal training as well!
SUSAN STRAUSS
Valley Village
Sticking to a Schedule Made the Difference
On Dec. 31, 1996, I made my annual New Year’s resolution: Exercise regularly and lose 10 pounds. This time I succeeded by finding a slot for regular exercise in my daily schedule. I’m a zombie in the morning, so getting up early for an activity I endure rather than enjoy was out of the question. I get home from my office around 6, and my husband doesn’t come home from our bicycle store (which stays open until 7 on weeknights) until 7:30 or 8. That’s my slot.
This schedule has worked so well that I find it easier to exercise during the week than on unstructured weekends. I lost 14 pounds in the first eight months and have kept it off.
DIANE KRAVIF
Los Angeles
She Has Stuck to Her Program for 2 1/2 Years
Scheduling my workouts right after my workday ends has enabled me to stay with my program consistently for 2 1/2 years. I pack my workout clothes the night before and change before leaving the office. I do classes at my local gym three to four times a week, including step, aerobics and sculpting. Depending on the time of the class, I try to work in some weights either before or after. The physical and mental benefits of scheduling exercise into my week have proved to be well worth the effort.
JILL TRIMBLE
La Verne
Keeping Fitness in Perspective
My husband and I have been together for more than 12 years. During these years, we’ve had countless arguments over my exercise regimen. He’s told me that he felt neglected because I was “always working out!”
I finally found a solution, which has worked out well for the past three months. I made an agreement with my husband that Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will be “our time,” to share together. I would not work out on these days. Tuesdays and Thursdays would be “fend-for-yourself days.” On these days, I am not expected to cook or clean. I can do whatever I want, for as long as I want. I can work out for hours, or I can spend it on myself in other ways. I also get two hours during the weekend, which is scheduled according to our plans.
With this new arrangement, I have kept physically fit, and have even lost a few pounds. I’ve found that I don’t need to work out for two hours a day, every day of the week to keep fit. I’ve found that three days a week is enough to keep my figure and keep peace with my husband.
LORETTA M. GARFIELD
Northridge
Killing Two Birds With One Stone
As a working single mother of two children, ages 5 and 7, it is obviously not easy to find the time to exercise. The best thing I ever did for my fitness was invest in a gym-quality LifeCycle and plant it in front of my TV. Before I had children, and even after the birth of my son, I was a devoted gym-goer: I was in the gym the day I went into labor, and back just two or three days after my son was born. I got the LifeCycle when I was pregnant the second time; I figured after the birth of a second child I was unlikely to see the inside of a gym with regularity for a while. So having a high-quality piece of equipment in the house was a sensible investment.
After my divorce, I completed law school and went to work full time; I am now a law clerk to a federal judge downtown. My children stay at the after-school program at their school until 5:30 p.m., but I like to have the rest of the evening with them, so I exercise at home after they’re in bed (around 8 p.m. or so).
DIANE KLEIN
Los Angeles
Self-Esteem Is What Keeps Her Going
I love to work out, but sometimes I get so busy I just want to skip the gym. I have a secret that keeps me going. It’s called self-esteem. Sure, working out helps boost the energy level and improves my health, but more importantly, I want to look good. When I look good, I feel good and people sense that. I am confident and successful. So far everything I have wanted in my life I have gotten. I owe it to those hard workouts at the gym.
I am a 29-year-old busy woman. I work full time running a small business, attend college three nights a week, volunteer writing assignments, study, and still manage to get to the gym three to four times a week. Did I mention my husband, our new house and social life? I like to get to the gym right after work and mix it up with either a cardio boxing class, a couple games of racquetball or treadmill running. I also do lots of sit-ups and some light free weights. On school nights I usually get to the gym around 9 p.m. or fit it in during my lunch hour.
OK, so I don’t have children yet. But I can assure you, the same will apply then, too. There are no excuses. I see moms at the gym every day.
MICHELLE
Placentia
Switch on the Tube, Hop on the Bike
It’s 6:30 p.m. and we are taking turns on the stationary bike in the living room while watching the news. Sometimes it’s 8 p.m. The bike is in front of the TV. That’s our secret. No bike, no TV! Weekend war movies are good for motivation too!
PAT and MIKE ROBERTS
Torrance
She Combines Exercise, Transportation, Leisure
I combine exercise and transportation. I’m more likely to exercise if I’m going somewhere, so I walk to the grocery store, to the movies or to shop for clothes. If I combine exercise, transportation and leisure, I’m even more likely to make time. One of my favorite activities is to walk to an espresso bar to read the paper and sip a cup of coffee.
I also find time for exercise by finding a meaningful goal to work toward. I won’t exercise if the reason is to be healthier or lose weight. I will exercise if the purpose is to reach the summit of a mountain or a trail. Right now my goal is to go to Nepal and trek in the Himalayas. I have never traveled east of the Mississippi, so thinking about this journey of a lifetime really motivates me to take time to exercise. Every journey begins with the first step, so every day that I go for a walk or a hike I’m one step closer to seeing the highest mountains in the world.
It also helps to change my attitude about exercise. I will run because I can, not because I have to. A year ago I could not run at all because I was too heavy and sedentary. Knowing I can do something now that I couldn’t do before makes the exercise a pleasure rather than a chore. Exercise has to be part of living a rich, full life for me. If it’s the same as doing the dishes or taking medicine, I won’t do it.
DIANE SOINI
Santa Barbara
She Didn’t Let Law School Cramp Her Style
For more than 20 years, I have made it a point to work out no less than three times a week. At the gym, I use the weight machines and aerobic equipment instead of aerobics classes, which are too limiting in their schedules.
Last year, when I began law school in my late 40s, I knew the exercise must continue, quitting was not an option. Every Sunday and every Friday after my last class, I play singles tennis for 1 1/2 to two hours. Twice a week, I work out by 6:30 a.m. at the gym for no more than 45 minutes.
Prior to being a law student, I was a real estate appraiser and I would just fit in the gym wherever I was in between appointments. By attending different gyms, one doesn’t get as bored with same old same old. I also climb the stairs to all my classes, all of which are on the fifth or sixth floor, hauling books and a laptop computer sometimes three times a day. What does all this get me? I can still wear slinky knits, shorts and panty hose without the “special reinforcement for the tummy” and look pretty darn good. Some of the students even thought I was about their age instead of 20 years older. By having a variety of exercise options and keeping the gym exercise to frequent but quick visits I can maintain the program without boredom.
LINDSAY McMENAMIN
La Crescenta
--Compiled by AARON DAVIS