You want to be a fit person, right? That's why I'm sharing my own habits for keeping fit and staying healthy in the ongoing Habits of Fit People series. Here's one that works for me: Developing a plan B. So why does something like this matter? It's hard enough to get the gym or carve out a few minutes to work out at home without LIFE getting in the way. It seems like 1,000 different things happen in a single day that can throw off your plans to exercise: a sick child, a last-minute deadline at work, a traffic jam, a phone call from a friend in need—you name it. And as if these unexpected events didn't make it difficult enough, then there are the saboteurs—the co-workers, friends and even loved ones who sabotage your efforts or discourage you from following through. It's a wonder that anyone with a job, family or social life is able to exercise at all! That's where a plan B comes in. Similar to the 10-minute rule, a plan B is something else you can do that's better than doing nothing. It's an alternative you can use when you are late for Pilates class, unable to get to the gym, or simply don't have the time for your usual workout. The key is that you have to think about it in advance, long before the interferences or interruptions come your way—that's why it's called a plan. Here are just a few "plan B's" that I keep up my own sleeve:
Why it works: When you plan for the unexpected, you're better able to face it and take it in stride. When you don't have any alternatives, it's easier to just give up and get down on yourself. Do you have a plan B? If not, come up with one now! What "go to" workout can you turn to when life gets in the way?  You will earn 5 SparkPoints
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My preference is to always do a walk either in my neighborhood or at the local jc track. Plan B tho is marching in place then walking back & forth in the halls; then turn on some tunes & dance. I also do yoga, & arm exercises w/ soup cans from the cupboard. I have resistance bands too & a weighted hula hoop.
We will be relocating within the year & I want to have a workout room w/ a treadmill & cycle at the least, maybe a rower also or rebounder. Report
yoga class, or treadmill with circuit strength training
Plan B - Fitness DVD (often Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, or Power 90) Report
I also need Plan B workouts when some part of my body is misbehaving. I've got several old injuries that still cause trouble from time to time - a torn rotator cuff (gets in the way of strength training), ruptured discs in my back (ditto), stress fractures in my legs. If it's my shoulder or back, I typically turn to an easy elliptical workout, which seems to work the kinks out in my body. If it's my legs that are bothering me, I usually do strength instead of cardio. Report
BANG!: 30 min of being active, with a little cardio thrown in, while 'paying it forward'. Report
For example I'll do jumping jacks, squat thrusts, jump rope, mountain climbers, and skaters for 30 seconds without rest then rest 30 seconds between circuits. Report
Measuring... Measiring... Measuring... All done! ;-) Report
[DDR=Dance Dance Revolution] Report
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Thanks SP, it's all starting to sink in and be second nature. Report