How to make time for exercise!!

“An active and healthy lifestyle is something we should all aim for but it’s not always easy.”

Most of us struggle with making time for exercise from time to time. When your inbox is out of control, your boss wants to schedule another 6 p.m. meeting, your kids need to be bathed, fed, and chauffeured around, and you haven’t had a full conversation with your significant other in weeks – that’s when your run, spin class, or date with your yoga mat is probably the first thing to get scrapped from your daily to-do list.

But it’s exactly during those times, when you feel like you’re running out of time (instead of, for example, running), your workout becomes more important than ever. Not just if you’re working toward a goal or training for a race, but because even 20 minutes of physical activity can drastically improve your mood, mindset, and overall well-being. (And that’s good for you, your boss, your kids, and your significant other.)

The good news is there are lots of different things you can do to make exercise part of your lifestyle in the long term.

Check out some simple ways you can fit exercise into a busy schedule. 

Here are some of my top tips to make the time to work out and turn exercise into a lifestyle, no matter how busy you are.

Commit to yourself

Making the commitment to add exercise into your life is the first step. To get there, you need a plan for when you’ll make it happen. A good way to stay committed and still enjoy other things in life is to find a balance and make time to fit exercise into your day. 

Don’t give yourself an opportunity to make excuses to skip your workout. Treat your workout time like an appointment you make with yourself and show up ready to tackle your workout! 

Exercise is an adaptive process. Once your body gets used to the workout routine, it will become easier and you will notice the health benefits when you work out regularly. 

Work out with a friend

When it comes to fitness, working out with a friend can boost your motivation and help you stick to a routine. It can be a great social outlet, reducing stress while improving your health. Finding a workout buddy who has got your back can make a huge difference.

There are many ways you can exercise with a friend such as going for a run, joining a yoga class, tackling a tough HIIT workout or taking a fitness challenge together. You can even work out together via a video call!

Track your workouts

It feels satisfying when you can tick something off your to-do list, right? 

Tracking your progress is a great way to keep your spirits up and feel motivated and see how far you’ve come. Take a moment to look at what you’ve achieved rather than focusing on what you haven’t done.

Don’t forget to celebrate small wins along the way and be proud of your progress. 

Make your workout enjoyable

It is SO important that you enjoy working out because that is what will keep you motivated and inspired to stick to your routine in the long term.

You can make your training fun by having a workout playlist and listening to your favourite tracks to motivate you. 

Don’t quit

Exercise will only become a part of your life if you keep making time for it. Try to overcome the urge to quit, even when it gets tough or obstacles get in the way. 

Some weeks this may be easier than

others but the important thing is not to give up!!

If you’ve had to take a break from exercise because you’ve been sick or injured, don't be too hard on yourself — try to ease back into your training and recognise that we all have setbacks from time to time. Fitness is a journey, not a destination!!

Invest in yourself !!!!

If you struggle to make exercise a part of your life, it’s okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself! 

Building new healthy habits can take time, but the benefits are definitely worth it. 

Make a new commitment each day to a healthier you!!!