It can be difficult to find time for exercise when you’re already pressed for time due to work, family, and other commitments. But physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. The health benefits of regular exercise are numerous and can help provide clarity to your mind and a boost of energy to your day. Here are a few tips to help you fit exercise into your busy schedule and make it a regular part of your routine:
1.) Set realistic goals: Before beginning an exercise regimen, take some time to think about and decide what’s most important to you: Do you want physical strength, improved cardio, or just an opportunity to unwind? Once you determine your own goals, set a realistic timeline and plan to achieve them. If you listen to the Crunch and Brunch podcast, we recently spoke about planning your timeframe of your workout. If you have genuinely tried to be a morning person, to wake up and workout before heading to work but keep finding yourself sleeping in and hitting snooze.. perhaps working with a time you know you’ll workout is the best place to start. The best time to workout is the time you know you will start and complete your routine. Although a set routine is nice, being flexible is where the real magic happens.
2.) Make it a top priority: As the saying goes, “the best time to exercise is now.” It’s easy to push aside your own physical activity when tasks that don’t align with your goals start piling up in the day. Schedule a few 30-40 minute sessions of physical activity each week and mark them in your calendar – have a friend or family member serve as an accountability buddy if needed. This here is when a class atmosphere helps too!
3.) Mix up your routine: Most people get bored of the same routine. To stay consistent and motivated, switch up the type of exercise you do or when and where you do it. Doing something different can also challenge your body and help you reach your goals faster. And don’t forget to track your progress to see if you are hitting your goals.
4.) Start small and build from there: Don’t overwhelm yourself at the start with tons of physical activity, or you may find that you’re too exhausted to stick with it. Start with a short walk every day for a few minutes, or even 5-10 minutes of stretching or yoga. Once you have that down, increase the intensity or the time spent.
Finding time for movement and exercise can be challenging, but with effort and dedication, it can be done. The key is to make it a priority, set realistic goals, change your routine, and start small. With these tips in hand, you can successfully make exercise part of your daily routine, take advantage of the benefits it brings to your overall well-being, and be a healthier and happier you.
-Christina
The Transformation Station 