If your kids are in extracurricular activities like swimming, musical theatre, or hockey, take that time to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. This is the perfect time to get a workout in as your kids are occupied. If they’re getting their sweat on, you might as well get yours on too!
5. Join a Gym That’s Close to You
The more convenient your gym or workout studio, the more likely you’ll be to go. Think about it – are you more likely to skip a workout that’s a five minute walk away or 15 minute drive? Even better if you live in an apartment building that has a gym inside. The biggest exercise hurdle is often finding the time, so the more convenient the better.
6. Do More at Home Workouts
There are so many amazing at home workouts that make it easy to exercise whenever is most convenient for you. From free Youtube workouts, to paid subscription memberships with awesome fitness gurus, you can do almost anything at home. Perhaps you love cycling. Consider investing in a stationary bike and monthly Peloton classes. If you’re more likely to workout at home, do what you need to do to make sure you get your exercise in!
7. Take Advantage of Weekends
Unless your weekends are jam packed, they’re a great time to get your workout on. Do you normally spend a few hours in front of the TV on Sunday morning? Head to a workout class instead. Are your kids often busy with extracurriculars or play dates? Use that time to go for a run or head to your local swimming pool.
8. Move Throughout the Day
Sometimes fitting a workout into your schedule can seem impossible. On weeks like those, sneak fitness into your daily routine. Walk whenever you can, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car further away from your office or the store, and consider cycling to work if you can. If you have a dog, try taking them on a longer walk, or do some dumbbell exercises at your desk or while you’re watching TV.
9. Prioritize Shorter Workouts
If the length of your workouts is what’s causing you to skip them, strategize for shorter, more intense workouts. High intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are one of the best for building strength and burning calories, and you only need about 25 minutes of exercise to stimulate your anabolic and metabolic systems. Check out these HIIT workouts! Even a 15 to 20 minute walk is better than nothing!
10. Quality Sleep
If you’re not getting enough quality sleep, you’re more likely to experience low energy and high fatigue. This makes it less likely for you to get up early to get your workout in, or exercise at any time during the day. Lack of sleep can also hinder your workout performance, so you won’t get the most out of them. Sleep helps promote your body’s recovery, allowing muscle tissues to regenerate. Without adequate sleep, your workouts will falter.
11. Meet a Friend
You’ll be less likely to skip a workout if you’re meeting up with a friend. Whether it’s a yoga class, morning run, or weekend bootcamp, having an accountability partner makes it more likely for you to get your exercise in. It means you’ll be scheduling your workouts ahead of time, and when you know you have someone relying on you, you won’t want to let them down.
