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Health & Fitness: How to Fit a Workout into Your Busy Schedule

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

Can’t find time to make it to the gym with your busy schedule this semester? Don’t sweat it! There is always time to fit in a workout no matter your schedule or location.

Just remember: the only bad workouts are the ones you don’t do!

If you have limited time between classes, here are some quick, easy ways to make sure you never miss a workout!

1.     Schedule workout time into your daily schedule just as you would schedule for class time or study time.

2.     Wake up early before your busy day starts. There’s no better way to feel great all day than to start with a good morning run!

3.     Work out instead of taking that nap. A good workout can be just as energizing as a nap.

4.     Pack your workout clothes in your backpack so you can go straight from class to the gym without having to stop back home.

If you have time between classes but not enough time to make it to the gym, here are some great ideas for working out right in your dorm, apartment or sorority house!

1.     Find an abs routine that works for you. A quick, 20-30 minute abs routine is a great way to tone your mid-section and requires no equipment or space. Just get on the floor and start crunching away!

2.     Want that firm, toned butt you’ve always dreamed of? Take that twenty minutes you have to yourself between your classes to do some squats! Start with a couple of reps of squats, and then as this becomes routine, up the number and keep pushing yourself.

3.     Keep a small set of weights in your room. There is no excuse to not be able to fit a couple reps of arm curls in on a tight schedule. Switch it up with different arm movements with the weights in your hands to keep things fun!

4.     While you’re at it with the weights, try some different lung exercises out! Even without weights in hand, lunges are a great leg workout. Toning your quads, hamstrings and butt, you’ll be looking great in no time!

All of these quick exercises might seem like they’re ineffective because they’re so quick. But trust me, they will pay off! A small number of reps added up over weeks or even months will do wonders for toning your muscles, and you will feel great.

So, now there is no excuse to skip an exercise day! Either make time to get to the gym or squeeze in a couple reps in your room between classes!