Working out during lunch. Do or Don't?

I am incredably busy and I don't have time to work out.  (This is not an excuse, I work full time, go to grad school 1/2 time, I am planning a wedding and I am in the process of converting=weekly class and studying, plus all the normal errands, family, freinds stuff).  However, I am back on the calorie counter and feeling terribly guilty about not working out.  I seriously need to get toned and add working out as a resource to lose weight.

I have joined several gyms in the past on a whim of motivation that quickly dies leaving me with a paid gym membership that I never use.  I have never attempted to work out during my lunch break before.  Have you tried?  Were you successful?  Any advise will help!!!!

I say go for it as long as you're eating something during your lunch break too.

Thanks.  Have you ever tried?  Were you successful?  I really don't want to waste more money on gym membership that I never use.

Then don't go to a gym. Lots of people jog or walk during their lunches or something like that.

I work out on my lunch hour at least 3 days a week.  Be realistic about how much you can do on your lunch hour, be sure to include travel time (only takes me about 2 minutes to get to the gym), time to change in and out of gym clothes and time to still eat lunch.  

Three days a week I do 20-25 minutes of strength training, if I make it to the gym other days I do 25 minutes of cardio.  30 minutes is TOO LONG for me to still get back to work, eat and change my clothes.  I have to make sure I bring a lunch that can be microwaved and try to bring things that cook is 4 minutes or less.  Taking a shower after my workout is totally out of the question, so I don't want to do sure heavy cardio that will leave me sweaty.  It can work if you really want it to AND the gym is close enough and you still have time to still eat lunch.  All these factors are essential for it to work IMO.

double post- sorry

I go to the gym at lunch 4x a week. I love it.  I just eat lunch at my desk while working, afterward.  You can do yoga, and light cardio so you don't have to shower... or do a heavy cardio and do a quick shower afterward, just bring a shower cap.

It really helps my energy level too! 

I also have shopped and put all my week long groceries in the work fridge at the start of each week so I don't have to worry about bringing lunch AND workout clothes every day en route to work!

Hope this helps!

If you have a flexible lunch hour I say go for it. A group of my coworkers go to the gym daily (I work @ a University and there's a gym on campus). They have lunch @ their desks after the workout. It takes them about 1.5 hrs to work out, shower, & dress. The boss is okay with that b/c deadlines & such are always met. I don't go at lunch time b/c I need more time.

Thanks dls- I am really hoping for an energy boost too!  My gym is pretty close to work.  I am more worried about the motivation though..Is it easier to go to the gym when you know you are going back to work than if you know you are going to your cozy couch?

Keish-Thanks for the advise.  I actually work at a college too(but we don't have a gym).  I am sure I can manage it timewise. 

i did it when i had a lunch break between classes.  i ate my lunch in the cafeteria, then spent the rest of the hour walking around the campus.  i got at least 30 minutes a day.  luckily the college i was attending had buildings that were connected with hallways so i was able to walk indoors when the weather was bad.  i actually saw a few other people doing the same thing every day!

What about taking the stairs? Parking further away from work and walking an extra 10 minutes to and from?

Working out during lunch takes commitment as does working out at any part of the day.  However being that its in the middle of the day, I find that I am more likely to do it and get it over with. 

At the beggining of the day I lack motivation, and at the end exhaustion plus lack of motivation.  In the middle of the day you are constantly fighting to complete tasks, make this a task and you might be able to stick with it.

Good luck

Thanks osainto!  I think I am going to try to do it!  Making it a task sounds like a great plan!  I do get rather obsessive about my to-do list during work and all motivation fades by the time I get home.

yes do it! my dad used to be overweight, he got sick of it and started running on his lunch hour and lifting during his breaks (they were pretty lax where he worked haha) but he loved it and it was nice b/c he could come home and spend time with us rather than workout for 2 hrs.

The way you balance your workouts all depends on your "freedoms".  If you work where you can eat your lunch while you work, then it's perfect.  If you can't then it's going to cut into your time.  You certainly don't want to cut it so close that you're just cramming food in your mouth...chew!  I am lucky.  I can eat while I work.  I tend not to eat so much before I go for my run though.  I'll eat an apple or banana and some nuts, go run, take a shower and then eat the rest when I get back.  It's best for me to not leave work.  If I have to drive somewhere, there's too many options...like McDonald's and like a previous post, it cuts into valuable time.  Motivation to me is bringing my gym bag in and setting it right beside my desk.  I can see it and it gives me that reminder.  If I left it in the car...out of sight, out of mind :)

Good Luck