It’s important to know how to fit exercise into your busy schedule. Why you might ask? Well, exercising not only releases endorphins making you feel better mentally, it also helps you stay healthy and physically in shape. For me, it’s tough because I am a full time student and I work full time as an assistant manager, working 30-40 hours a week. Despite the fact that I have minimal free time, I still manage to squeeze in a great workout at least 3-4 times a week. By following these tips, you will be able to stick to a workout routine and actually want to exercise.
1. Get a Planner
A planner will help you stay organized and allow you to write down a routine and refer back to it later. For me, I have so much going on that if I don’t write stuff down, it’s a nightmare to try and remember what it was that I wanted to accomplish. Once you have a planner, flip through it and circle the days you have free time, then write down the times that you have free. Each day might be different, but that’s okay! By doing this, you can then jot down the specific workouts you have time to do on the days circled in your planner.
2. Stick to a Routine
I know many of you are thinking “yeah right,” but no matter how busy you are, you must stick to a routine because that’s how you achieve results from your workout. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will that sexy bikini body! You must be consistent. For me, I know I have every Tuesday and Thursday free before 2 p.m. so I normally wake up around 9 a.m. for a morning run which gives me plenty of time to shower and get ready for class. Every other day of the week I work, so my free time varies. If I know I will be working in the morning, I make sure to save time after work for at least a short workout. If I work at night, I make sure to set my alarm at least four hours before my shift to ensure I have enough time to work out, and get ready to go to work. Not only must you stay consistent with the days you exercise, but also what areas of the body you are working out. For example, Monday and Wednesday you decide to work out abs and arms; however, maybe Tuesday and Thursday you work out legs and back. Try to fit some kind of cardio in your routine as well like a relaxing Saturday morning jog.
3. Get a Workout Buddy
Sometimes working out alone can be a drag, so find a friend who also wants to get fit and make a pact! Even if you can’t get together for every workout, you will still have that support system and can motivate each other in between workouts. Also, make sure you choose a person with the same interests and skills as you. If you like to run, don’t pick a workout buddy who can’t run. If you like to swim, don’t pick a workout buddy who doesn’t know how to swim.
4. Find out What’s Right for You
Maybe you have asthma and can’t run long distances, or maybe you just can’t do extreme workouts. That’s okay! Find out what’s right for you and remember to start small because you can always build on your workouts, but if you start out with the most difficult workouts, you could get discouraged and quit or possibly become injured.
5. Buy Cute Workout Gear (Optional)
If you’re a guy, this probably will not matter to you, but I know for me, I would rather work out if my outfit matches, looks cute, and is comfortable. Obviously you can still achieve results with boring workout gear, but I suggest you at least get a cute pair of shoes because I promise you, if you look and feel fabulous, you will achieve fabulous results!