Exercise and a Busy Schedule!

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Finding time to exercise can be hard! I work full time, run a non-profit animal rescue, blog, and still want time for myself, my boyfriend, my friends and of course, my cat! With a jam-packed schedule, finding that hour to hit the gym can easily get put on the back burner.

When you’re feeling like exercise is getting the boot, it’s always good to remind yourself that 2/3 of our adult population struggle with being overweight.

Here are a few simple ways of fitting exercise into a busy schedule:

1. Create a Workout Schedule

Are you a calendar type of person? If not, you may want to start. If you have a smartphone or a day planner, making an appointment to get your workout in for the day will hold you accountable and allow you to plan ahead. When you see a 6 AM workout for the next day on your calendar, you’ll know you need to get to sleep early and eat a good breakfast.

Every time you accomplish a workout that was on your calendar keep track of it! The goal is to form a habit. There’s been talk that “21 days” is all you need to form a new habit. Well, that might be the case for some, but many people need more than 3 weeks to form a habit; some say the magic number is 66 days. It could take months to form a habit that becomes a lifestyle, so calendar away, and continue to watch – and feel great about – your progress over the weeks.

1. Find Random Ways to Exercise

There are many random, fun ways to exercise. One of my favorite ways is to turn on whatever Netflix show I’m currently mainlining while I workout. I’ll put on a 50-minute episode and keep my body moving the entire time. You don’t need any fancy equipment either, just clear a space for yourself and rotate through burpees, high knees, push-ups, sit-ups, whatever gets your blood pumping!

Do you get a lunch break at work? Consider taking the first part of it to go outside for a jog. If you get a full hour, take 40 minutes of it to get an outdoor workout in, come back and finish up your lunch.

Find those moments where multitasking is possible and get your workout in for the day!

1. Sign Up for a Membership

Find something you really enjoy; barre, cycle, yoga, pilates, parkour, etc. Whatever it is, make sure it gets you moving!

Signing up for a membership and becoming a part of a community of activity seekers who love the same thing as you can be very motivating.  Being surrounded by other people may serve as that extra little push you needed to make exercise a fun habit.Having other people surround you can be that little push you need to make exercise a fun habit.