How To Schedule Fitness into Your Busy Life

I’m lucky enough to prioritise working out and include it in my daily routine; however, I understand that this is not always possible or isn’t as important to others. That doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze it in. Below are some options that align with current trends and hopefully suit various people and lifestyles.

Home Workouts

Life seems to be getting busier for everyone, but a workout can be as quick as 20 minutes, and 20 minutes is better than nothing. There are a vast assortment of online workouts available, both free and paid. YouTube offers thousands of videos, covering a wide range of fitness routines from quick 5-minute exercises to comprehensive 30-day challenges.

Instagram is another great platform to find free workouts. During COVID, I joined daily live workouts with fitness trainer Meggan Grubb. Her workouts were perfect for me, aligning with my goals, and she saved her workouts to her reels, making them accessible anytime. Instagram reels are a brilliant way to find new home workouts.

I also signed up for Les Mills On Demand during the pandemic and worked out to their videos most days. To make it even more interesting, my friend and I would find the same workout, Facetime each other, then work out together. Finding your own motivation is crucial because if you don’t enjoy it, the likelihood of keeping up your regime is slim.

Outdoor Exercise

This can be challenging, especially in the lovely UK, where it rains most of the summer. However, on a nice day, a walk is a great way to get your body moving. Many places in the UK offer walking routes and beautiful scenery. We’re lucky to live just an hour away from the Peak District, perfect for outings all year round, and great for the pooch too.

Running is the obvious choice for free exercise, but many people don’t think they’re fit enough. The key to running is ensuring you warm up properly and ease into it. There is plenty of advice and training schedules available for runners of all abilities. I’m not much of a runner myself, but I have a friend who has been following a plan and has improved significantly in a short period.

Another option for outdoor exercise is using the free gyms often found in parks. These outdoor gyms have equipment that simulates what you’d find in a traditional gym, though they use body weight instead of additional weights. They are a great start for someone wanting to get their body moving.

Exercise Classes

Classes are a perfect solution for those with busy lives. The routine aspect of a class can help structure your day. Exercise classes can be as quick as 20 minutes, depending on the type, and the accessibility of classes is increasing.

Exercise classes are available in many locations beyond just gyms and sports centres. Self-employed fitness instructors offer classes in various settings, including outdoor spaces.

Common exercise classes like yoga, Pilates, and spinning come to mind immediately, but there are many more to explore, such as CrossFit, pole fitness, boxercise, hula fit, and burlesque dancing. There really is something for everyone; it’s just a matter of trying different things until you find something suited to you.

Attending a Gym

Just because some people spend hours in the gym doesn’t mean you have to. Half an hour is plenty of time for a workout if you know exactly what you want to focus on, whether it’s a quick cardio session or a super quick weight session.

Incorporate going to the gym into your usual day. If you pass a gym on your way to work, could you attend either before or after work? This way, you don’t have to waste additional time travelling.

Tips for Staying Motivated

1. Set Realistic Goals: Establish clear and achievable fitness goals to keep you motivated.

2. Track Your Progress: Use a fitness app or journal to log your workouts and track progress.

3. Find a Workout Buddy: Partnering with someone can make workouts more enjoyable and hold you accountable.

4. Mix It Up: Vary your workouts to prevent boredom and challenge different muscle groups.

5. Reward Yourself: Set milestones and reward yourself when you achieve them to stay motivated.

By incorporating these tips and strategies, you can successfully integrate fitness into your busy life and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.