For moms, finding time for a fitness program can be an exercise in frustration

By BRENDA RINDGE
Of The Post and Courier staff

     You'd like to exercise regularly, but you just don't have time, right?
     Between work, the kids, the husband, the house and volunteer activities, by the time you have finished the things you have to do, there's no time for the things you want to do.
     "It's a natural inertia," says Chris McNeil, area program director for Faster Fitness Fitness Training Studio. "Everything pulls you toward doing stuff for your kids, and you forget about you." . . . . . .
     Another thing women complain about is not having enough energy to exercise. . . .
     McNeil says it's a mental strategy that many women get caught up in. They have to figure out how to fit workouts into their regular day.
     "I have a mom with five kids who stops by here between dropping kids off here and there," he says. "You just have to think ahead and make it a priority. If you do it right, fitting it in doesn't have to be a burden."
     That's not to say that everyone can fit a workout into her life. Sometimes, it's necessary to prioritize. . . .
    
Getting started
     Because time is of the essence, making exercise easily available is important. . . .
     Going to a fitness center, hiring a personal trainer or exercising with a friend is a good idea because it gives you accountability. You will feel guilty if you don't show up.
     McNeil says places such as Faster Fitness, a personal training studio, increase the chances of sticking with a routine.
     "It's easy to blow off classes and not be missed, but if you have someone waiting on you, you're more likely to be there," he says.
     Many women like having a coach to monitor their workouts and encourage them along the way, but some just want to learn the correct way to do things and then transfer that knowledge to their homes.
     "Working out at home is not for most people," he says. "Once you are home, there are too many distractions and other things to do." . . .
    
'A matter of moving'
     Working out regularly is important, but it is not necessary to devote hours to it every day, experts say. . . . .
     At Faster Fitness, workout sessions are 30 minutes. During that time, clients increase aerobic fitness, muscle tone and flexibility.
     "People have an easier time getting exercise in when it's over in half an hour," he says. "When the results are there week to week and it doesn't cut into your day much, it suddenly all seems worth it. We have been experimenting with the short workout concept for years and have it perfected to the point where our clients get better results with a 30-minute session than with a traditional hourlong workout."
     McNeil says that seeing results is important. "If nothing is happening, it's not going to be motivating," he says. "We do everything we can to keep people motivated."
     Having goals and assessing progress monthly helps with that.
     "Once you start, you'll get so much more done in less time," McNeil says. "Your self-esteem, your energy and your focus will all be up. You'll not only be in better health, but you'll feel better, too."