How to Fit Exercise Into a Busy Schedule

 

This question comes specifically from Alisa in my Holistically Hot Women Facebook Group. About a month ago I asked for some blog topics people would be interested in reading about and Alisa said she wants to know how to fit exercise into a busy schedule. 

Let me say that I’ve given a lot of thought about how to answer this question, because, for me, exercise has always been a priority. I love it and I can’t start my day without it. Then, I realized that is essentially the answer – we prioritize what is important to us. So the first step is to make it a priority. But I have more suggestions, so please read on. 

One // Make it a priority. Truly, the only way to be consistent with anything is to understand why it’s important to you. How does exercise make you feel? How do you feel different on the days you exercise vs. the days you don’t? Do you feel more focused, accomplished, energized, make better food choices? Get really clear on the benefits you get from exercise and then make a conscious decision to make it a priority. Write it down somewhere you can see it every day until it becomes habitual. If you’re at all wishy-washy about it, you WILL find excuses and other things to do during the time you should be exercising. 

Two // Calendar it. This is a tip I’ve been giving clients since the beginning of time and they always write it off at first – until they actually do it. Let’s just say it’s a game-changer. If you’re busy, chances are you keep a calendar. So put your exercise time right onto it, like you would a doctor’s appointment or a meeting. When it’s on your calendar, I promise you won’t skip it.

Three // Find the time. See number one above. When it’s a priority, no matter how busy you are, you will find the time. Whether that means paying for a babysitter or gym child care, making your dinners ahead of time, saying no to after-work cocktails or waking up an hour earlier. You have the time for yourself, the key is to find it or make it. 

Four // Shorten your workout. Most people assume exercise has to be an hour or longer and must take place in a gym. Guess what? Not true! Some of the most efficient exercise is HIIT (high intensity interval training) and it can be anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes long. You can find HIIT workouts in my book or all over the internet and here on my Pinterest board. These can be done at home or in the gym. I also love the 7-minute workout app by Wahoo. I use it when I’m traveling. You can do as many 7-minute rounds as you like or have time for. Who doesn’t have 7 minutes? 

Five // Bring your workout to you. Can’t get to a gym or don’t like it? You can sign up for online yoga or barre or dance cardio classes or just take a walk outside in your neighborhood or at work during your lunch hour. There are no less than hundreds of ways to workout. Find what works for you and don’t limit yourself based on location. 

Six // It’s all in the mindset. Most importantly, understand that exercise is self-care and you deserve it. It’s not selfish and if you truly can’t find at minimum five to seven (but ideally, 30) minutes to devote to you every day, then we need to talk. Sign up for a free breakthrough session here. You owe it to yourself to take care of you!

Did I miss something that works for you? How do you fit exercise into a busy schedule?