Ask the Trainer – 5 Power Workouts for the Time-Crunched Dad

Richard Pine is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, has been with Metro Run and Walk since 2004, and currently coaches the MRW Training Programs.

As a busy dad, what are some workouts I can include with my running and walking to increase both strength and performance?

One of the greatest challenges that many people face when it comes down to working out and exercising is finding enough time in our busy schedules to workout.  For many people, the will to hit the gym or lace up the running shoes is there, but the breakdown occurs in the execution.  Whether it is because of a crazy work or school schedule, keeping up with the mundane routines of life, taking care of the kids, or simply putting your feet up to catch a breather, getting that workout in typically gets shelved with the good but often neglected intention of “doing it later when I have more time.”  Somehow, there’s never enough time and as a result, getting that workout in involves radically shifting that intention into action.

That may sound like hard work, but the key to turning that intention into action is to make it part of your lifestyle so that it is no longer “work” and but simply a part of who you are and what you do.  When choosing your workouts, set simple goals that can easily fit into your schedule and then if you have time to do more, it becomes an added bonus.  When your workouts are approached with this perspective, it becomes easier to accomplish your goals and it is easier to work it into any part of your day on a regular basis as opposed to having this overwhelming task of a long arduous workout that does not end up getting done and as a result, all or nothing kicks in and nothing wins more often than not.

With that said, here are 5 basic workouts focused on increasing total body strength and powering up for a hot season of dropping the pounds.  If you are limited on time, they can be performed individually or if you have more time, they can be performed as a circuit workout or added in any combination to a run/walk workout.  As this month is Father’s Day, this is particularly dedicated to all you busy dads, but even if you are not a dad, these are still great exercises that you can include into your daily exercise routine!