Gypsygirl, You can accomplish a lot with Tabata especially first thing at the start of the day.
It's funny you should say this. When people notice improvement in my body like skin tone, bigger muscles, leaner waist and face, ...etc., they always ask what I'm doing. I've resorted to saying "eat right and stay active" because in the past I would start talking about the benefits of high intensity exercise and eating paleo. Usually, their response would be, "I can't..."
/start extensivedebate
Them: I couldn't possibly workout regularly. I'm out of the house from 7:30 am to 7 or 8 pm for work every day, then I have to blah blah blah.
Me: Get up at 6am and chase the dog around the yard. Throw a stick and race him to it. Put a cinderblock at one end of the yard and throw it in front of you, pick it up and throw it again until you reach the other end of the yard. Hang a pullup bar near the door and do pullups when you go out and when you come back in.
Them: I can't do that. I don't have the energy.
Me: If you quit eating McDonalds griddle bombs and sugary drinks, you'll have the sustained energy you need.
Them: I can't. I need my double mocha latte every morning.
…insert long dialogue in which I refute every “I can’t…” with a solution and point out various free websites on eating well and exercising. I even lent my PaleoDiet book to one friend who seemed interested and it was never seen again…
Them: I can’t….I don’t have the time…I don’t have the energy…I can’t eat that…If I cook myself breakfast, I’ll be late for work…
Me: Yes, you can. You just don’t want to do it. I gave you the answer, you just don’t like it. What you wanted to hear was that I’d found a revolutionary dietary supplement that will make you lose weight, gain muscle, clear up your skin, and turn you into a sex machine. There are plenty out there that promise all those things, but when it comes down to it, they CAN’T do those things. I don’t have a quick fix answer because there isn’t one. You CAN do those things, if you follow a few simple rules and make the effort. What’s more important? Your double mocha latte with a twist of lemon and your griddle bomb breakfast or living well and looking good doing it?
Them: Ummm…..
Me: I thought so…