Let’s face it, there aren’t enough hours in the day sometimes. Work, family, running errands, more work, there is just too much going on, so how on earth are we supposed to fit a workout routine into our schedule?
It isn’t easy, but it’s doable. There are literally thousands of blogs from stay-at-home moms, marketing gurus, or travel enthusiasts who talk about fitting a workout into a busy schedule. So where do you start?
Right here.
Schedule a workout
You probably schedule everything else, so why not your workouts? Write down when you would like to workout and before you begin to sweat, have an idea of what you want to do. You don’t want to step into the gym and not have any idea where you will start. Your time is precious; make it count.
Shoot for the morning
Waking up earlier to workout is difficult at first, but it’s the calm before the storm–especially if you have kids. It’s a habit that becomes easier the more you do it. Set aside even just 30 minutes a morning to do a high-intensity workout or go for a run. You may find yourself having more energy throughout the day, too.
Gyms Close to Work
Enroll at a gym you can get to in a few minutes. This allows you to pop over during lunch, or before or after work. Instead of taking time for lunch, workout and then eat at your desk. If you can, rent a locker and keep your stuff there. This saves you time, letting you get in and begin your workout.
Find a Buddy
Who doesn’t love being around a friend who has the same goals as you? Don’t go to the gym alone. Enlist a friend or a spouse to help motivate you. Workouts with someone else won’t just get you to the gym, but they can push you to help you achieve a more difficult workout.
Get Competition Ready
Whether it’s a relay race, a marathon, or a CrossFit competition, when you have a reason to workout, your end results will look that much better. You don’t want to foolish when the competition begins. And going back to our previous tip, sign up with a friend or family member. You may end up being an inspiration to each other.
Be a Weekend Warrior
You’re probably going to say how weekends are for sleeping in. If you’re truly wanting to lose weight and workout, find time during the weekend. During the mornings, many people have the same mindset as you do about sleeping in. Head to the gym before the rush or if it’s nice weather, go for a run. Head to the high school track, just make use of your time off from work (if you have any) to focus on getting in that much needed workout.
Workouts for You
High-intensity interval training is one of the best ways to shred calories in a short amount of time. Obviously, if you’re looking to bulk up you want to avoid these workouts, but if you don’t have a lot of time and want to lose weight, HIIT may be for you. Most workouts last around 30 minutes but keep your body burning calories nonstop and can push your metabolism even after the workout has ended.
For quick strength training, look up body weight exercises and purchase some workout elastic bands. It will offer your muscles some resistance that you may miss from not going to the gym or using weights.
Share Your Goals
We don’t condone posting every single workout to all your social media sites, but there are sites where you can share and compare workouts with others. Fitness bands like Fitbit let you see what others are doing for their workouts. Document what you’re doing and inspire others. You never know, maybe seeing someone in that top spot will inspire you to go harder.
Make Any Space a Home Gym
You’re busy and we know this. Even in your living room, you can workout. There are many at-home workout routines that keep the busy person in mind. The foot of your bed, a garage if you have one, or even just that spare bedroom can give you the space you need to get in a 20- to 30-minute routine. And if you have kids, maybe you can use them as free weights.
Meal Planning and Tracking Calories
If going to the gym or working out just doesn’t happen as often as you’d like, alter your eating habits. Make a meal plan every week. What will you take for lunch? How often will you go out with friends or coworkers? As you plan meals, count the calories you take in. Focus on keeping your goals so you eat healthier. You may be surprised at the changes. Plus, it’s a great way to maintain a budget!
We hope this gives you a good jumping off point for squeezing a workout into your busy life. There will always be unexpected circumstances to stop you, but always look for opportunities to be your best self.
Remember to consult your physician before starting any new workout program.
