coun·ter·in·tu·i·tive
/ˌkoun(t)ərinˈt(y)o͞oədiv/
adjective
contrary to intuition or to common-sense expectation (but often nevertheless true).
I know what you’re thinking:
If I can’t find time to work out even once a day, working out 2 times a day will never happen for me!
I hear you.
Working Out 2 Times A Day
Recognize that meaningful movement can be done in short segments. Research supports that short workouts– as little as 7-8 minutes at a time– can offer physiological benefits. While you’re not going to lose 100 pounds by sneaking in short workouts, you can help stave off disease by inserting more meaningful movement into your day.
What are some ideas for meaningful movement? You could set your timer to ring mid-morning and mid-afternoon to remind yourself to go for a 10-minute walk. If you’re looking for something higher intensity, you could do a short bodyweight workout that doesn’t require any equipment. Stuck inside with a napping baby? Go up and down your stairs for 6-8 minutes. Have a cranky toddler who needs a mood adjustment? Turn on the music and dance! Interval workouts are a perfect option for busy people looking to fit in quality exercise.
When you see the different options for short workouts, working out 2 times a day seems much more doable. By grabbing a bit of time here and a bit of time there, you can have two mini-workouts that help you gain strength and improve your energy.
Why Busy People Should Try Two-A-Days
I know how hard it is to find ANY time for a workout. Do you have a schedule that makes it hard for you to block off a big chunk of time for a workout? Being a two-a-dayer may be your secret to fitness success. By collecting minutes of exercise throughout your day, you no longer have to rely on the elusive hour block for a workout.
Remember that SOME movement is better than nothing. And some movement on most days is better than being a weekend warrior. Being a weekend-only exerciser doesn’t offer your body the consistency and regularity it needs to make positive adaptations. Furthermore, by doing all of your exercise on the weekends, you’re more likely to increase your injury risk.
Think about your schedule. Do you have 10 minutes in between the morning rush and when you need to start your day for a walk? Maybe your lunch hour could include 15 minutes of yoga. You don’t have to sweat like a beast to reap health benefits from movement!
New to Exercise? Coming Back from an Injury?
Working out 2 times a day is also a great strategy for people looking to get back into exercise after a period of inactivity. Your body may not be able to sustain a long workout. Two short workouts, however, can help build your endurance and make your return to fitness easier.
There are several compelling reasons I recommend that busy people work out 2 times a day. In addition to the variety of movement you can fit into a day, you can also decrease your injury risk. Furthermore, these mini-workouts are easiest for busy people to do consistently and over a long period. So while it may seem odd, I think you’ll find that this counter-intuitive strategy actually works.
Do you think you have no time to workout? I challenge you to reconsider!
Is this concept helpful to you? Are you motivated to find other ways to Fit in Fitness to your real life?
