You got the promotion you’ve been working your butt off for. You’re busier than ever. Your kids are all in extracurriculars. You have a million things going on. You used to love blowing off steam at the gym but you just don’t have time. You notice you’re out of breath after making your rounds at the office. You’ve slowly been adding on the pounds and all your clothes are getting a bit snug. You’ve been wanting to start working out again, but there’s just no time. It’s time to make the conscious decision to make your health a priority. This is step one. Don’t leave it up to chance. Don’t wait until your blood pressure is through the roof. Don’t make a half-hearted resolution to maybe get kind of healthy. Make a real commitment. After your other priorities are taken care of (family, work, school, etc.), make your health a PRIORITY as well. After all, if you aren’t well, how can you care for those other priorities?
“But how? I’m just so busy! I don’t have time!” Well here are some tips to fit in those workouts for you busy professionals.
Audit your time: We often say and think we’re busier than we actually are. You can deny it, but take a look back through you day or week and see how much time you spent watching Netflix, playing video games, scrolling Instagram, whatever. It’s not that any of these things are bad, and we all need our escapism, but I almost guarantee that with a proper audit, you’ll find many “pockets” of time that you can consolidate to get your workout in.
Plan ahead: As a busy professional, you know how important that Outlook calendar is. Meetings here, deliveries there, pick up the kids where? Planning ahead has played a huge role in your success. You should plan ahead for your workouts as well. When is your free time? How can you adjust your schedule to accommodate your workouts? Can you drop the baby off with the grandparents so you and your spouse can workout together (thanks mom and dad)? It’s a pain, it’s more planning, it’s extra effort – but your health is worth the work!
Get it out of the way early: Are you a morning person? Do you spring out of bed before your alarm ready to attack the day with gusto? Does the thought of the gym after a long day’s work bum you out? Set you alarm a bit earlier, take advantage of your morning energy, and get your workout in BEFORE work and before the distractions set in. This can also be an effective time saver as you can stop at the gym on the way to work (especially if there’s a shower), eliminating some extra driving time.
Workout at lunch: Just like morning workouts, this isn’t for everyone either. But perhaps you find yourself dozing off during your break or sitting in the lounge participating in the latest gossip. If you have that kind of time, why not get a quick run in, or hit the office gym, or rep out some push-ups? You might get a bit sweaty, but you’ll live. Just be kind and bring some extra deodorant?
Go directly after work: Were you cringing at the thought of that early morning workout? Maybe you’re more of the workout-after-work type. Awesome! But here’s the key. Try to go right from work to the gym (or wherever you’re working out). I’m well acquainted with the little devil on your shoulder that comes out as soon as you walk through your door. You change into something comfy, you get a snack, you watch a show. We all know that once your butt hits that couch you’re not getting up to go to the gym. Eliminate that temptation all together and drive straight to the gym!
Home Gym: This might be the number 1 solution. I say this as we’re preparing to open a public gym. Oops. There are definitely pros and cons, but nothing beats it when it comes to time efficiency and convenience. Whether you wake up a little earlier, stay up a little later, or find some time in the evening when you get home, you can pop into your little gym whenever you want. You can set things up just the way you want, you’ll never wait in line, and you can bring the kids along for some lessons!
Get on a flexible program: Getting on a program is important for ANYONE trying to improve their health and fitness. It keeps you accountable and motivated while providing a game plan you can follow. However, if your work/life schedule is unpredictable, it can be hard to strictly adhere to a demanding program 4, 5, or 6 days per week. Instead, consider finding or developing a flexible program built around a “minimum”. Focus on a core set of time efficient exercises and workouts that you know you can make time for throughout the week. Let’s aim for 3 days? If that’s all you can do that week, no worries! If you have some extra time to put in a longer or extra workout or two, great!
So hopefully one or two of these tips can help you fit your workouts into your busy work schedule. Sometimes life gets in the way and you can’t get your workout in. The important thing is that you find a way to make your health and fitness a priority in your life. You owe it to yourself, so you can live a happy and more full life ad you owe it to your family and friends so you can enjoy that life with them. So give it your best shot and let us know if you have any other ideas!
