In our fast-paced and demanding lives, finding time to make it to the gym can often feel like an insurmountable challenge. However, with a little planning, determination, and creative thinking, it’s possible to incorporate exercise into even the busiest of schedules and find time to truly work on yourself the way you’ve always wanted to. Here are some practical strategies and tips to help you fit workouts into your jam-packed routine, ensuring your health and wellness remain a top priority.
Set Clear Goals and Prioritize:
Start by defining your fitness goals and understanding the importance of regular exercise in achieving them. Once you realize the value of workouts for your physical and mental well-being, it becomes easier to make them a priority. Consider meeting with a professional trainer or researching realistic goals that will reinforce the importance of just showing up to the gym and the value of your targets. Establishing a clear intention and commitment to yourself is the first step in keeping exercise at the forefront of your mind.
Plan ahead:
To make exercise part of your weekly schedule, you need to plan for it like you would a class or meeting, even if that means writing it into your calendar. Preparing the night before to bring a change of clothes or an extra snack helps ensure you will follow through with your plan. Being prepared to execute a workout makes it more difficult to skip and easier to fit into your day.
Try different forms of exercise:
When you’re busy or overwhelmed it is more difficult to stay motivated and easy to get bored of repetitive exercises. Instead, try to make your workouts more exciting by adding variety to your routine and giving yourself something new to look forward to. This could mean trying a group fitness class at Fitworks, working out with a friend, or incorporating new equipment.
Maximize Efficiency with High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):
When time is limited, HIIT workouts can be a game-changer. These fast-paced sessions involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. HIIT workouts are highly effective in a shorter amount of time, providing a full-body workout and boosting metabolism. Aim for 20-30 minutes of HIIT, and you’ll reap the benefits of a longer workout in a fraction of the time.
Combine Exercise with Other Activities:
Multitasking can be your ally in fitting workouts into a busy schedule. Combine exercise with activities you enjoy or need to do anyway. For example, listen to audiobooks or podcasts while lifting, or answer emails walking on the treadmill.
It is an unrealistic expectation to be able to make it to the gym at the same time every day, so go easy on yourself. Life gets in the way and that’s good- your body needs rest! Still, following these steps and doing what works for you will put you on your way to a successful fitness journey without giving up other activities in your schedule. Soon enough you’ll enjoy your days more when you got a workout in, feeling more productive and grateful for prioritizing yourself.