HOW TO MAKE TIME FOR FITNESS IN YOUR DAY

RAISE YOUR HAND if you’ve ever felt like you had no time to exercise. What about if you’ve ever felt guilty about taking time away from something “more important” to move your body?

We’ve already talked about the benefits of exercise, but let’s dig a little deeper into how to actually make time and space in a schedule that feels relentlessly full. Here are a few easy ways to do just that.

Put It in Your Calendar

Pre-booking classes that have a cancellation fee or making plans with a friend are just a few ways to reduce the chance that you’ll change your mind and back out.

Break Workouts into Smaller Blocks of Time

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week—or a combination of moderate and vigorous, so you can spread that out in a way that works for your lifestyle.

Exercise does not have to take an hour. Take the pressure off and give yourself permission to work in shorter bursts of activity, say by doing five or ten minutes at a time through your day, if that’s what you can manage.

Choose Workouts You Actually Enjoy

It’s harder to make time for something you loathe, so choose activities you enjoy.

Make It Easy

Having the clothes and gear you need ready to go cuts down on time spent gathering your stuff together. Lay out your workout clothes the night before a morning workout or keep your gym bag in your car so you can get there on your lunch break or right after work.

Reward Yourself

As we talked about in the chapter on shifting your own energy, using positive reinforcement, cheering yourself on, and rewarding yourself for working out can encourage you to make it a habit.