Finding the Time..

OCRodatone · 01-25-2009, 01:25 AM

I know I am not the only one. Started back to school this week, schedule is a whirlwind. Work at 6:00 am till 4:00pm, school till 8:00pm or 10:00 depending on day. My eating faltered towards the end of the week. I only was able to get two days into the gym, today being one of them. I am frustrated that I will end up burning out again just like the past 3 semesters. Any suggestions will help on how I can stay focused and motivated. I know I need to keep it going.

GnomusMaximus · 01-25-2009, 06:01 AM

I know your pain. Two little kids, time demanding job, and working on my School District Administration cert. It sounds like you even got into the gym twice despite what was going on and that was amazing.

If I were you I'd say "I know I can get in the gym 2 times/week" You can actually build a pretty good strength based program on 2 days/week. Focus on only compound moves no messing around once you are there. Squat something, Press something, lift something off the floor. Maybe use any extra days for either cardio or "vanity days". Things like delts and bis. That way as long as you get in the 2 days you'll feel like you are sticking with your program. As for eating....how do I know, I'm terrible...

maryinmesquite · 01-25-2009, 06:06 AM

that is why i go at 4:30 in the morning , i went this morning

Preacher13 · 01-25-2009, 06:26 AM

After reading through your profile briefly (which tells me and will tell others you're not going to be a one post wonder

) my advice is simple.

First, maximize your sleep. I work 12hr rotating swing shift. By the time I commute and wind down I'm doing good to get 7 to 7 1/2 hours of sleep a night. Much less and I fall apart. I do get my workouts in and I do them before the often physically demanding job. But sleep is key. Look to see what you can improve in your efficiency to maximize your downtime. I make my week's lunches ahead and stage out my other daily meals. I've done a lot so that I only have to spend a moment or two of actual attention on something before I move to the next.

Second, get rid of all the stimulants you can. Things like caffeine and sugar concentrates in large doses over a long time wear you out. It's called adrenal fatigue and contributes to the "burnout" feeling. Maybe a cup of coffee first thing in the morning to help get your day started faster and kickstart the motivation isn't bad, but a constant trickle of caffeine isn't going to help in the long haul. If you feel yourself falling flat or in need of a boost try a piece of fruit (not juice), it won't hit you as fast as caffeine, but it'll get there and keep you going longer.

Third, eat right. PERIOD. Get your macros dialed in and do the highest quality vitamin you can reasonably afford. Try to drop carbs about four or five hours before going to bed and get something to eat that will stick with you before finally crashing out. Bump up your intake of omega EFAs and keep your diet as broad as possible. Eating the same old thing day in and day out does very little for your mental well being.

Fourth, brainspace! Take five minutes at the same time every day and set the entire world in a little box and let it just not exist for a little while. Sit and do nothing just for a moment, it won't kill you to just stop and take a couple deep breaths outside of the day to day stresses.

Good luck.

Whatanejit · 01-25-2009, 12:14 PM

Wow Preacher!

You have inspired me - thanks!

Marius_Ursus · 01-26-2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maryinmesquite

that is why i go at 4:30 in the morning , i went this morning

x2

If I don't get up early and knock out the training first thing, I never know if I'm going to have time for it.

bodyhard · 01-26-2009, 01:17 PM

If you really want it you will find the time, I have 5 kids, had to work in the morning and go to college in the evenings to get my degree, I never missed a workout.

kimsquit · 01-26-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bodyhard

If you really want it you will find the time, I have 5 kids, had to work in the morning and go to college in the evenings to get my degree, I never missed a workout.

not only that but you also had to squeeze in at least three fistfights a week

just playin' man

bodyhard · 01-26-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimsquit

not only that but you also had to squeeze in at least three fistfights a week

just playin' man

Ya see I try to stay away from the fights and they just follow me

omnisjdi · 01-26-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GnomusMaximus

I know your pain. Two little kids, time demanding job, and working on my School District Administration cert. It sounds like you even got into the gym twice despite what was going on and that was amazing.

If I were you I'd say "I know I can get in the gym 2 times/week" You can actually build a pretty good strength based program on 2 days/week. Focus on only compound moves no messing around once you are there. Squat something, Press something, lift something off the floor. Maybe use any extra days for either cardio or "vanity days". Things like delts and bis. That way as long as you get in the 2 days you'll feel like you are sticking with your program. As for eating....how do I know, I'm terrible...

Invest in a used bench and some dumbells then you'll have no more excuses.

omnisjdi · 01-26-2009, 07:22 PM

Ooops:blush: Intended to quote original poster

StressMonkey · 01-26-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bodyhard

If you really want it you will find the time, I have 5 kids, had to work in the morning and go to college in the evenings to get my degree, I never missed a workout.

No wonder you like working out at night now!

bodyhard · 01-26-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StressMonkey

No wonder you like working out at night now!

Yup been training in the night for as far back as I can remember.

OCRodatone · 01-27-2009, 10:04 PM

I just want to thank you guys for your input, maybe I just needed the kick in the pants. I have worked out right after class the past two days and will make the time to get in before class tomorrow.

Thank You

tomdana · 01-27-2009, 10:12 PM

I am with you. I work 60 - 120 hrs per week with three kids, do child advocacy, hold chair positions on at least 5 committees, teach med students and nurse practitioner students and I still hit the workouts. It is the give back to me time. I need it. It is my release, my lift me up and my future health. Good luck to you. I workout at night after the kids are in bed and I have spent some time with my sweety. I am not the mary in mesquite am person

Good luck