Welcome back to Fitness For Real, where we are all about making health a priority, no matter how packed our schedules may be. Here are my top five tips to fit fitness into a busy life, designed specifically for those who have more deadlines than dumbbells in their daily lives.
1. Embrace the Power of Short Workouts
The first rule of the busy people’s fitness club is: you do not need hours in the gym. Exciting, isn’t it? Contrary to popular belief, you can make significant strides towards your fitness goals with half hour workouts or short bursts of physical activity throughout the day.
Research has shown that high-intensity, shorter workouts can boost metabolism and cardiovascular health just as effectively as longer, less intense exercise sessions. This is great news because it lets us off the hook of believing we need 1+ hours for it.
You can also get it moving with a quick 10-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session in the morning, a brisk walk during your lunch break, or a 7-minute yoga routine before bed – these mini workouts can all contribute to your fitness journey.
2. Schedule Your Workouts Like Meetings
Just as you wouldn’t miss an important business meeting, make your workouts non-negotiable. Implement the practice of scheduling them into your calendar, just like any other crucial appointment. This ensures that your fitness goals aren’t lost in the shuffle of everyday tasks and deadlines.
Knowing that you have a “meeting with fitness” can set the tone for your day and help prioritize your health. Remember, your health is an investment, not an expense. So, book your fitness appointments and honor them with as much commitment as your work.
3. Harness the Efficiency of Multitasking
We’re not suggesting you start doing squats during your board meetings, but there are clever ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. How about scheduling a call at the same time while walking around the park?
The idea here is to make fitness a part of your lifestyle rather than an isolated activity. Always look for opportunities to move. Set an alarm to stand up and stretch every hour or park your car farther away in the parking lot to get a few extra steps in.
4. Make Your Weekends Count
Weekends are the unsung heroes of the fitness world for busy professionals. Utilize these golden days to engage in longer workouts or activities that you enjoy. Cycling, hiking, swimming or a game of soccer with friends not only helps you break away from the monotony of regular workouts but also contributes to your physical well-being.
While it may be tempting to use weekends solely for relaxation, dedicating a part of your day to physical fitness can make you feel more rejuvenated and ready to take on the coming week.
5. Enlist a Fitness Buddy or Join a Class
Staying committed to a fitness routine can be challenging when juggling a busy schedule. However, having a workout buddy or being part of a fitness class can make a world of difference. Not only will this add a social element to your fitness routine, but it also adds an element of commitment and accountability that can motivate you to stay on track.
Alternatively, joining a group fitness class or studio can foster a sense of community and routine that can make working out more enjoyable and less like a chore.
Achieving a balance between a busy professional life and maintaining a healthy body may seem like a Herculean task, but with the right strategies in place, it’s entirely possible. Remember, every step, no matter how small, is progress. Here’s to making fitness a part of our busy lives.
