Whether you have young children, are a caregiver to an older loved one, or are just plain busy, making time to exercise can be a challenge for many people. Your schedule is often all over the map, making it difficult to be consistent with your workout routine. But being active is a key part of staying healthy, especially during the germ-ridden winter months. It may be difficult, but it’s not impossible to find time to work out even with a busy schedule. Here are a few tips to help you find more time for fitness:
- Schedule it! If you’re used to blocking out time for meetings at work, try scheduling time to work out. You’re much more likely to stick to it if you plan ahead and it’s built into your day.
- Rise with the sun (or earlier). As the day goes on, it becomes much harder to find time to squeeze in a workout. But if you get up before everyone else, you are almost guaranteed alone time to hit the gym or the pavement. It may be tough the first few days, but the longer you stick with it, the easier it will get. Try putting out all your clothes and equipment (water bottle, etc.) the night before to make it even easier.
- Run or bike to work. While not an option for everyone, if you live close enough to work and have safe, well-lit trails or paths along the way, consider combining your workout with your commute to save time. You can run, walk or bike some or all of the way – whatever works best for you!
- Or try lunchtime… Not an early riser? Consider going for a walk or taking a short workout class during your lunch break. It may help you re-energize and refocus for the rest of the day, too!
- Don’t go it alone. Whether you take your kids along for a workout at the park or buddy up for a date at the gym, including others can help motivate you and keep you accountable. Also, check out gyms that offer family friendly classes or on-site childcare to give you more options to fit in fitness with your kids.
- Keep equipment handy. You never know when you may find an extra 30 minutes to spare, so keep a change of clothes and sneakers in the car to take advantage of unexpected free time for a quick run or stop at the gym.
As parents and caregivers, you are the number one role model for your children, so when they see you making fitness a priority, they will likely do the same as they grow up. Exercise can also contribute to improved health and happiness, which can help you be a happier person and parent as well.
For Health Advocate Members
If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the wellness coaching feature of our Wellness Program, call us! A wellness coach can help you come up with a personalized plan to make time for fitness in your life.
