"I just don't have time" is the most common excuse I hear when people decide to skip a workout; and let's face it, sometime there just isn't enough time to do everything we want to. Fortunately for those of us looking to exercise regularly without sacrificing 2+ hours of our day, there are a number of ways to increase our efficiency at the gym to get a good workout in a shorter amount of time.
Interval Training
Interval training, which combines short bursts of intense activity and rest periods of light to moderate activity, is the best way to save time on your cardio workout. Research has shown that people who perform interval training for only 20 minutes will burn more calories, reap more cardiovascular benefits, and will build more lean muscle than people performing traditional cardio training for more time. Performing intervals also boosts your metabolic rate for hours after exercise, helping you melt off stubborn fat even when you're not at the gym!
Supersets
For your strength training needs, consider supersets, which involve performing two exercises in a row without a break or a very short break between exercises. Supersets can be performed with the same muscle group or two different muscle groups. Personally, I find that moving to a different muscle group is the most effective option because it allows one muscle group to rest while you work another area. For example, if I were working my back and triceps, I could perform 12 repetitions of lat pull-downs followed immediately by 12 repetitions of triceps extensions, allowing for my lats to rest for the next set while I work my triceps. You'd be surprised at how much time you spend resting at the gym, so supersets are a great way to cut down on your time at the gym.
Have a Plan
Plan out your workout before you get to the gym. This doesn't necessarily have to be extensive, but even a quick plan that you form on your way to the gym can help you avoid wasting time between exercises.
Ditch your Phone
Unless you're using some kind of nifty gym app that's helping you plan your workout, texting and surfing the internet can be a huge time drain when you're at the gym. You're there to get some exercise and that's what you should be focusing on.
Avoid Peak Hours
This isn't always the easiest solution because peak hours tend to be convenient, but a lot of time can be wasted if you're waiting for equipment. Gyms are generally busiest from 7am-11am and 4pm-8pm, so these hours are best to avoid when possible. If these are the only times you can work out, try exercising on different days - the three busiest days in gyms tend to be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (especially Mondays, so this is a good day to make a rest day).
Bring Water with You
There are always a few people who are constantly rushing back and forth from the drinking fountain to the weights. Not only will you remain better hydrated with your own water bottle, but you'll also save yourself a lot of time.
Use Machines
I'm a big proponent of using free weights when you have time, but machines are frequently a lot faster to set up and change the weights on. Try to get a good mix between free weights and machines, but when you're really crunched for time, opt for the machines.