The benefits of regular exercise are indisputable, yet one third (31.6%) of UK professionals admit that they only exercise once or twice a week. What’s more, a worrying one in four confessed that they don’t exercise at all! That’s according to the latest study from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job site.
Mindful Chef supported the theory that our hectic lifestyles are hindering our efforts to eat healthily and exercise. From this study, two thirds admit they often eat ‘badly’ because they don't have the time to prepare nutritious food, and 75 per cent revealed they skip meals entirely for the same reason.
The majority of UK professionals believe that businesses need to do more to help facilitate exercise during the working week. When asked how they could do this, almost half suggested that they offer free or discounted gym memberships as a workplace perk. After that, 22.2% said they should allow more flexible working to fit around individual’s exercise regime.
With many professionals wishing they could do more but struggling to juggle exercise and work, CV-Library offers its top tips for fitting in a regular workout:
1. Adjust your body clock: Going to bed an hour earlier could help to re-adjust your body clock and make you more of a morning person! Getting up earlier gives you more time to exercise before work, leaving you feeling more productive and giving you back your evenings.
2. Make the most of your lunch break: There might not be enough time to make it to the gym for a workout on your lunch break (especially if you want to eat!) but there’s always time to go for a walk and get some fresh air.
3. Workout at home: Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be done at the gym! There are a whole host of at home workouts that you can do to save you time (and money).
4. Get organised: Pack your bags and select your outfit the night before, this can help you get to the gym nice and early without cutting into your workout time. Alternatively, prepare dinner before you go to work so when you leave the gym you know you can go home, eat straightaway and relax.
5. Request flexible working: If you’re really struggling to find the time, ask your boss if you can work more flexible hours, starting or finishing earlier depending on when you prefer to exercise.