3 Tips to Make Fitness Fit
Many people find it challenging to start and maintain a fitness program due to a perceived lack of time. When feeling overwhelmed, health and fitness often take a backseat to other priorities.
To help you integrate exercise into your life, reframe how you view it. It's not always easy, but it is possible.
Here are a few tips to make fitness work with your busy schedule:
Mindset: Start Here!
Fitness is not self-indulgent; it's essential.
If you begin to view fitness in the same way you view other necessary tasks, like going to work or getting your car's oil changed, you'll find it indispensable instead of optional.
This doesn't mean fitness can't be fun. Choosing a style of fitness you enjoy is important for maintaining the habit. However, you must accept that on some days you won't "feel like it." But you’ll recall that consistency is crucial, even on busy or tired days.
With this mindset shift, you'll continue to show up, building a routine that feels easier over time. This is when real success begins, as you'll maintain your fitness habit no matter what life throws at you.
Schedule: Build It in First!
Once you've mastered the fitness-is-essential mindset, use your schedule to reflect this new priority.
While work and family are undoubtedly important, fitness should come next. The common mistake is trying to fit workouts in after everything else, making them the first thing to be abandoned when plans go awry.
Many busy parents and professionals find success by working out first thing in the morning. A 5-a.m. start might seem impossible initially, but it becomes easier with commitment. This often sets you up for a productive and manageable day because you started with self-care.
It's also important to regularly review your week in advance to anticipate busy days or extra events. Doing so will help you stay organized—you might adjust schedules so you can hit your regular workout time, or maybe you move it to an open hour.
Strengthening your resolve to take care of yourself will ultimately provide you with more energy to care for others.
Boundaries: Set Limits and Stand Firm!
Saying "yes" to yourself will sometimes require saying "no" to others. While this isn't possible in every situation, it works most of the time.
Ask yourself: "If I say yes to this and I have to miss my workout, how will I feel?" Or, "If I say yes to this, is there an opportunity to adapt my schedule and do both?"
As people recognize that you prioritize fitness, they will come to understand it is a part of who you are and what you do. The more you enforce your boundaries, the more they will respect your time.
Plan to Move!
The modern world sets a demanding pace, and scheduling workout time can feel impossible on some days.
Try using these tips to incorporate exercise into your routine, even if it's just once a week.
The benefits—more energy, improved mental clarity, enhanced personal health and greater happiness—will only encourage you to keep going, even on the busiest days.