As a team manager for a tax preparation software (I am also an Enrolled Agent, or EA, licensed to prepare returns by the IRS), I work 12-9pm during the off season; in season (Jan-Apr) I work anywhere from 8 am - 10 pm and 10 am - 10 pm.  There are times that I arrive home about 1:30 am and start all over again at noon. Also,I live with my elderly mother who doesn't drive and often spend most of my morning hours taking care of her needs (doctor appointments, household duties, yard work, etc.). 

 Given my odd schedule it's hard to find time to exercise and during season I'm often too wiped out to even think about it. I tried getting up at 6 am to exercise at Curves but after about a year I had to stop because I just couldn't do the early hour and keep up with everything else.  I was also gone a lot to seminars and meetings. 

I spend most of my time during season either in front of a computer administering a forum or knowledgebase, taking supervisor calls, or running from one disaster on the call center floor to another (on my feet constantly on concrete, ya gotta love wireless headsets).  Off season hiring, training and developing agents is added to the mix.

When it's not excruciatingly hot I try to use half my dinner hour (if I get one) to walk around the parking lot and when I get home I use my elliptical machine for 15-30 minutes (depending on how wiped out I am). I do situps while I'm watching movies and use exercise bands and weights (I even have some at work for use on long phone calls-running a network does take a little time).

Question is, is that enough?  I have arthritis so sometimes the exercise is more painful than helpful.  And I'm old and postmenapausal.  I am running out of ideas of what else I can do.

 

Hi Lavender!53, Thanks for writing! It sounds like you've got a very busy schedule and have many responsibilities! Finding time to exercise is probably the #1 complaint or reason that individuals do not exercise, so don't feel alone. I would encourage you to continue to find time whenever you can to get in exercise, even if it is for 10 minutes! Ideally, you should be getting in 30-60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week, including cardio (walking, jogging, swimming, biking) as well as strength training. With the combination of both of these types of exercise, you'll maximize your calorie/fat burning potential! However, when you are limited on time and energy, it is perfectly fine to perform shorter bouts of exercise to promote energy expenditure, as well as heart healthy benefits. Additionally, it is also OK to perform 2-3 short duration bouts of exercise throughout the course of 1 day, instead of 1 longer, continuous bout. For example, go for a 10 minute walk in the morning, on your lunch hour and then maybe do your bands, sit-ups and weights for 10-20 minutes in the evening. By accumulating these workouts, you will still get in a great and very effective calorie burn and be time efficient! Because you have arthritis, low-impact exercise is very important. Swimming, yoga & pilates are all very good types of exercise. Also, purchasing some DVD's that you can perform at home to make the most of your time would be a very good idea! Best of luck to you and keep us posted with your progress! Kelli