Finding Time to Exercise With A Busy Schedule

In this day and age, we are all busy. For most of us, we can’t even find the extra time to do the things we want to do. This lack of time makes it hard for us to work on our fitness goals. As we grow older, it becomes hard finding time to exercise with a busy schedule. Most of us go from a consistent workout regimen, to sporadic workouts that end in unfulfilled promises and late night comfort food.

But it doesn’t always have to be this way.

Finding Time to Workout

Did you know that you can easily fit exercise into your schedule if you focused more on the quality of your workout and not the length of your workout? That’s right, you can make your fitness program more effective without spending hours in the gym! At the same time, you can fit in a good quality workout even if you have a busy schedule. The goal is to shorten the amount of time in the gym and still be able to reach your fitness goals.

Here are a few ways towards finding time to exercise with a busy schedule.

Plan Out Your Workouts

On way to help you finding time to workout is pre-planning your workouts. When you go to gym, have a plan.  Write your workout in advance.  Be prepared with substitutions just in case someone is using the machine or equipment you were going to use. Make sure you stay focused and on track during your workout.

Try High Intensity Interval Training

A High Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T.) circuit might be very effective for you.  Typically, these circuits consist of 4 to 5 exercises done back to back without any rest until you have finished all the exercises of the circuit. These exercises are not for everyone. Make sure to check with your doctor or health professional before you begin these types of workouts.

These type of workouts usually take 30 minutes or less. Below is a sample of a H.I.I.T. workout session. 

Sample Circuit

1. 10 Burpess
2. 20 Body Squats
3. 10 Push Ups
4. 20 Kettle Bell Swings
5. 10 Medicine Ball Slams

Steady State Cardio

If you plan on doing steady state cardio, keep it effective by staying within your target heart rate range.  Secondly, remind yourself to keep it short and sweet. 30 minutes is good for these type of workouts.

While doing cardio, jump on Netflix, or your favorite streaming app and find something good to watch. If you’re up for it, watch something health and fitness related. This can help keep you motivated and inspired to stay on track.

Here are a few recommendations:

• Down to Earth With Zac Efron 
• The Game Changers (one of my favorites!)
• What The Health
• Fork Over Knives
• Fat, sick, and Nearly Dead
• Super Size Me
• Hungry For Change
• Marathon Challenge
• Road to the Games
• May I Be Frank

Cardio Interval Training

Another exercise that doesn’t take up much time is called cardio interval training. This is something I enjoy to do with clients.

One example of cardio interval training is getting on the stair master and bumping it up to the highest level and get to stepping for 1 minute! After one minute, drop down to a level 1 and step for one minute. Then, repeat this workout for 20 minutes.

Doing one minute on the highest level, followed by one minutes on the lowest level can help you reach your fitness goals. In addition, you can also do sprints on the treadmill or you can jump rope using this same workout technique.

As a reminder, make sure to check with your doctor or health professional before you begin these types of workouts.

Finding The Time to Fit In Your Workouts

These are just a few options that can help you find an effective workout in a short amount of time. If you’d like your own personal fitness program, feel free to contact me and I’ll help customize a fitness program that you’d be able to fit into your busy schedule.

In conclusion, If you can find 20 to 30 minutes, you can definitely have an effective workout. Don’t neglect yourself! Make some time for yourself and your fitness goals!