This year, I made a resolution to incorporate more exercise into my daily routine. Unlike my previous resolutions, I actually made a promise to myself to stick to this one. Fingers crossed! It can be very easy to fall back claiming you have no time, your workload is too heavy, you’re too tired, etc (the list goes on). However, staying fit is no longer an option. It’s a necessity. The sooner you get going, the better. And we’re here to help!
Fortunately, planning your exercises doesn't have to be difficult. There are many enjoyable ways to ensure you fit exercise into your schedule without having to make any compromises. Here are some of the strategies that have helped me keep to my fitness schedule.
Keep on reading to find out!
Plan Your Fitness Routine
Some individuals prefer to stick to a schedule and know precisely what they're doing and when, whilst others prefer to be more flexible. If time is of importance, though, develop a workout plan. Schedule workouts for each day of the week to help you focus on when you can work out. Although you should always be prepared to be flexible since occasionally things just come up and you have to miss a session, setting down a plan helps it appear more official and increases your likelihood that you will commit to it and follow through with it.
Start Slow
No, you don’t need an intensive workout routine till you drop on the floor. Most individuals are unaware that you actually just need to exercise for 45 minutes three times each week. You may make those periods more efficient by combining strength training and cardio. There’s no need for an intensive workout session unless you’re training for the Olympics or trying to enroll in a competition. Just regular daily workouts will do.
Utilize Your Daily Lunch Breaks
Now, I’m not asking you to skip your lunch as that would be very unhealthy. What I’m saying is that instead of staying in the office, try going out for lunch. Avoid using your car or public transportation. Try walking to the nearest restaurant. Getting some fresh air and getting your heart rate going is both beneficial to your cardiovascular system and overall health. Lunchtime exercises are a great way to re-energize your day, and the break from your laptop/computer/phone is also intellectually refreshing.
Make The Most Of Your Everyday Commutes
Making your journey to work into an exercise session is a fantastic way to include fitness into your daily routine. If you can, try to avoid driving to work and instead walk there. Consider riding a bike to work.
Similarly, if your office is on the second or third floor, consider using the stairs instead of the elevator. Please do not attempt this if your office is on a high-rise building (imagine taking the stairs to the 29th floor).
If you're taking the bus home, get off one or two stops sooner. At the end of the day, even a quick 10-15 minute stroll on your way home will help you feel better.
Exercise At Home
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about exercise is that you need a gym subscription. Truth is, you don’t need a fancy gym subscription. All you need is a home workout mat and a proper at-home workout guide which is available online these days. This means there are no excuses not to exercise, and you can schedule your workouts around your family/home life.
Call Your Friends
Another smart method to integrate fitness into your life is to plan a workout with your buddies. Being among people who share your enthusiasm for fitness is encouraging and motivating, and if your pals are at comparable skill levels to you, you may inspire each other to reach new heights. Team sports are a great option for your group exercises, or you may choose to go for a run or a bike ride at a time that works for both of you.
Practically speaking, it's a terrific way to stay in touch, and you are much less inclined to skip a session.
Truth be told, you'll always find reasons not to exercise. If you don't believe you have 30 minutes to commit to exercise, remember that you can always divide the time up throughout the day, enabling you to fulfill deadlines, hang out with friends, return phone calls, and keep to your original plans. It will only be a matter of time until it becomes a habit!