It's a balancing act: Maintaining an exercise routine with a busy life

We all know that life can get hectic, and finding time for exercise can be a challenge. Today, I’d like to share some practical tips and strategies to help you maintain an exercise routine even when life gets busy. 

Schedule It:

This is probably the most important tip to remember…

Treat exercise like any other important appointment in your calendar. 

No one is going to miraculously generate an extra hour or so in your day, so you’re just going to have to TAKE it and then PROTECT it! 

Block out specific times each week dedicated solely to physical activity. By scheduling your workouts, you're more likely to stick to them and make them a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Prioritize shorter workouts and functional movements during the week.

When time is limited, short, sharp workouts are your best friend. Workouts which involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods or heavy, functional movements.  Even just 20-30 minutes of high energy movements  can give you a great workout and help you stay on focused for the day. Shorter workouts will leave you feeling energised rather than exhausted and allow you to carry on with your days work too. 

Incorporate Exercise into Your Daily Routine:

Look for opportunities to sneak in physical activity throughout your day. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk or bike to work if possible, or do some stretching or bodyweight exercises during your lunch break. These small changes over a period of weeks or months make a HUGE difference and can help you maintain an active lifestyle, even on your busiest days.

Find Accountability:

And this is another of those BIGGIES!!

Start training with a friend, join a gym with good membership care support (such as CrossFit Volentia of course 😎), join a group session or be part of a class. Having someone to hold you accountable can make a world of difference. You can motivate and inspire each other, making exercise more enjoyable and ensuring that you stick to your routine even when life gets hectic. 

Be Flexible with Your Workouts:

Accept that some days you may not have the time or energy for a full session, and that's okay. Be flexible and adapt your exercise routine to fit your daily schedule. Shorten your workouts, break them up into smaller sessions throughout the day, or try quick and effective home workouts that require minimal equipment. Remember, something is always better than nothing!

Leave your longer sessions for the weekend when time may be easier to steal! Get outside on a bike, go for a run or get into a Saturday TeamWod at CrossFit Volentia! The biggest thing is to do something you enjoy that will keep you coming back for more. 

Maintaining an exercise routine when life gets busy isn’t easy but with dedication, planning, and flexibility it can be done. By scheduling your workouts, incorporating exercise into your daily routine, finding accountability and being flexible with your workouts, you can make fitness a consistent part of your busy life. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential, and with a little creativity and determination, you can achieve your fitness goals no matter how busy life gets. Keep moving and stay motivated!