Adults aged 19-64 should get about 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of intense aerobic exercise per week. Unfortunately for BCIT students, free-time is a rarity only experienced during the alignment of the stars. Therefore, to help keep those classic breakfasts off the gut, here are a few tips to efficiently stay active with a busy schedule.
Full-body workouts
Having trouble deciding between chest day or leg day? No problem. focusing on compound exercises to simultaneously hit as many muscle groups as possible will help to save time as well as stay proportionate. There are popular programs such as the 5X5 program that can be easily found online to focus on full-body compounded workouts. Popular compound exercises include the following:
- Squats
- Dead lifts
- Bench Press
- Overhead Press
- Bent-over rows
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Workouts
HIIT training involves intense cardiovascular exercises with short, sometimes active, rest periods. This approach to an active lifestyle burns more fat in less time. Programs can be easily found and followed online or, for the most lively experiences, through app, video, or classes.
Non-exercise activity
Other than chasing after the 130 bus, there are several ways to stay active while not actually having to go to the gym. For example, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or getting off the bus a stop earlier to walk the distance are simple ways to fit in a quick workout in your everyday busy life.
Find something you enjoy
Working out doesn’t have to involve lifting weights in a smelly gym or riding a stagnant bike until your face falls off. Finding a physical activity or sport that you look forward to doing can take away the negative outlook on exercising and transform your mindset to a positive one. I have personally found Ultimate Frisbee and dance to be activities that I could do any time, anywhere and finding friends to stay active with helps to take the mind away from the fatigue of it all.
In addition to finding the workout plan that works for you, BCIT strongly supports its students in their physical well-being as well; for example, scheduling every other class in NE1…but also providing a variety of recreational activities found at the rec services. Your workout could be closer than you think!
Let the gains begin…
