How to Make Time For Exercise
I have a love/hate relationship with exercise. I love how I feel after I exercise, and I love that consistent exercise helps me to lose weight over time. However, I hate (ok, maybe hate is too strong…how about dislike) exercise because it’s just one more thing I need to fit into my already overflowing calendar.
You, too?
I’ve spent much of my adult life trying to fit exercise into my schedule. I’m not a morning person, so getting up early has not worked well for me. When I worked full time, I was always too tired to exercise at night. Then, when the kids came along, well, I was tired a lot of the time.
Once the kids started school, I thought I’d have time to begin working out. I soon found out, though, that once I took the kids to school, worked out, and got home and ready for the day, it was 10:00 or later. I felt as if I was starting my day off already behind on what needed to be done.
I told you in the recap of my blogging break that I have signed up to participate in two half-marathons. The first one is in just five short weeks. Yikes!
Because I need to train several days a week, I HAVE to fit exercise into my schedule. I did really well this summer getting up early because the sun was already out. As the sun has been coming up later and later, though, it has been more difficult to get up to train.
So, I decided to try something new. I re-examined my schedule and looked for times I could work exercise into my day. As I did this, I came up with some ideas that I think will help anyone who wants to exercise on a regular basis.
1. Set a goal. Because I know that I’m going to have to walk 13.1 miles in five weeks, I have the motivation I need to exercise. I know if I don’t get the work done, I’ll never survive a half marathon. Setting a goal, even if it’s just to walk or run a mile, will help propel you to action. Take it a step further and sign up for a 5k or some other event. Then you will have a firm date to work toward.
2. Be flexible. I’m a girl who thrives on routine. So, when I realized I could not work out at the same time everyday, I became discouraged and could not figure out a system that would work for me. This time I am more open to fit exercise in where I can. My son has to be at school 45 minutes early several days a week. On those days, I get up at 6:00 and do what I can around the house before I have to take him to school. After I drop my son and daughter off, I head to the gym to walk on the treadmill. This way I’m getting a head start on my day and I don’t feel so bad taking the time I need to train. Take a look at your weekly schedule and make appointments with yourself to workout.
3. Take advantage of “extra” time. Ok, I know, you’re thinking there is no such thing as “extra” time. But we do have opportunities to fit in exercise in little ways throughout the course of our day. Parking in a place away from your office, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and walking on your lunch break are all ways to get a little exercise in. Think through your schedule and see where you can add little pockets of exercise time into your day.
4. Set yourself up for success. Have everything you need set out and ready to go. Make sure you have the right clothing, shoes, and equipment for whatever you are training for.
I challenge you to see what you can do to fit exercise into your schedule this week.
Leave a comment below and let me know what you do to fit exercise into your schedule.
