In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for fitness can be challenging. With work and family, it can be difficult to squeeze in a workout. This isn’t even mentioning time for friends and hobbies. However, I find prioritizing your health and fitness is crucial for a balanced life and benefits your mindset including your work and creativity as much as your body. Here are some tips to help you make time for fitness in your busy schedule:
Wake Up Early
I know, you that simple heading makes you angry. It does me too. Waking up early is not easy or fun, but it is a game-changer. I have three little kids and if I want to get anything done without tiny people crawling over me, it has to be before they wake up (or after they go to bed, if you have any energy left). Besides the alone time though, a morning workout has a lot more benefits. The main things I see are a boost of energy both physically and mentally to start the day. So, even though I don’t like getting out of bed long before the crack of dawn, it’s definitely worth it.
Be Flexible
Life can be unpredictable, and things don’t always go as planned. It’s essential to be flexible and adaptable when it comes to your fitness routine. If you miss a workout, don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, reschedule it, or at least do something. If you find yourself out of town for work for example, if it’s a leg day, go for a jog. Remember that consistency is key, but flexibility is necessary when life gets in the way. To paraphrase from others: consistently is way more important than trying to always be 100% optimal, because life will never let you.
Schedule Your Workout
Scheduling your workout is a great way to ensure that you make time for fitness. Use your calendar to block out time for exercise and treat it as an essential appointment. This will help you prioritize your fitness and ensure that you don’t double-book yourself. Let’s face it, you always have your calendar (phone) in your pocket right? It’s easy to set reminders and make sure you know what you need to do. ***Scheduleyourstrength.com shameless plug***
Use Your Workout as Content
If you’re someone who creates content, like me, consider using your workout as material. Time for fitness is easier when you are making double the progress. Not only will you be able to check off your exercise for the day, but you’ll also have content to share with your audience. This is probably obvious, but it’s a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone-kind of situation.
Focus on Compound Movements
Compound movements are exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once. By focusing on these movements, you can maximize your time. I find them to be a bit more practical as well, and I enjoy the systemic strength benefits to these big movements. A rotation of squats, presses, hip hinges, etc. can target pretty much all of your muscles all at once. Bonus points for olympic lifts!
Involve Others
Working out with others can be a good way to double up on time with friends or family like I mentioned above. Partner workouts usually lead to good conversations, and time together, although I will admit it’s sometimes hard to get friends to get up at 4:30 with you…
I mentioned kids above. (I have 3 kids under 5 as I write this 😱) and they are single-handedly the biggest use of my time and resources (in a good way). Kids will always imitate those they learn from. Getting kids involved in your workouts will instill lifelong habits in them as well. They will take away from your own workouts, no question, but having them around will pay off dividends in their lives and in your relationship with them.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Finally, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s life and fitness goals are unique, focus on your own progress and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may be. And I’m not afraid to say it: anything you see on social media is probably a lie… #notsorry
Me as I write this: “Am I just trying to provide validation to my own busy life and shortcomings?” Lol maybe… At any rate I hope that it provides some comfort and motivation to you as well. Feel free to follow my links and reach out with any thoughts or post them here.
Jordan