The most common excuse for skipping exercise is “I really don’t have the time to exercise”, but the reality is, you just chose to do something else you deemed as more important. After a long day of work, it can be hard to convince yourself that a workout will feel as good as collapsing on the couch. After all, you’ve worked hard and you’re tired?
The thought of traveling to the gym, the workout itself and the shower afterwards, and it’s easy to understand why this excuse feels so compelling. You tell yourself you will wait for the day when you will suddenly have more time. But that isn’t a option because often that day never comes.
We all have 24 hours in a day. What you choose to do with those 24 hours can make all the difference. A 1 hour workout is only 4% of your day.
So how do you go about making the time in your busy schedule?
CREATE A WORKOUT SCHEDULE
In order to make time for a workout into a crazy schedule, you have to schedule it like any other appointment by pre-assigning a time for exercising. Whether that is first thing in the morning or in the evening, make a plan and stick to it. Make it your regular routine.
I personally find it work best for me to schedule my bodybuilding workout as my first activity of the day. By doing this I find I always get it done. Remember, the right time will never just appear – you need to make it happen, just as you would with any other appointment.
WORKOUT AT HOME
If you find that commuting to the gym is taking too much time, or you don’t feel comfortable working out in a gym, try workout out at home. For the price of a few years gym membership you can have all the equipment you need at your home.
WORKOUT WITH A TRAINING PARTNER
Get friends or family involved and use exercise as a way to change your lifestyle. You’ll also be less likely to cancel a session when there are others involved.
JOIN AN ONLINE COMMUNITY
Joining an online community such as Jefit is a good way to make friendships with others that have similar interests & goals as yourself. You will have the knowledge of the community as well as the motivation and support of all the members to keep you going on a daily basis.
We are stronger as a group than individually.
MAKE SHORT TERM GOALS
Set yourself 1 realistic short term goal (3 months) and make a plan on how you are going to achieve it (get help from others if need be to come up with a great workout plan that fits your schedule) and work towards that.
After you’ve reached your goal, make another short term goal and keep going. Don’t worry about long term goals.
TRACK YOUR WORKOUTS
A great tool to use is a Jefit fitness app that you can record & manage your workouts with. Many of these are available at no cost. It is a great way to see your progress and meet friends also.
TRACK YOUR DIET
Another great tool is a diet app to help keep track of your daily nutrients. Again, many of these are available at no cost, I high recommend the Fitness Pal app. By doing this it is very easy to see if you are eating the right amounts of food for your plan.
DON’T COMPARE TO OTHERS
Don’t compare your body to others. Instead work to be your personal best and only compete with yourself. Always strive to improve yourself ONLY.
If you’re struggling to make time to exercise, ask yourself, do I really not have the time and energy, or is it just not a priority?
Often we convince ourselves that we’re too busy or tired, when really we just don’t want to do it.
Remember that prioritizing your workout routine not only benefits your productivity, but it also helps to improves your mood, your health, and it also gives your energy level a huge boost, as well as your overall sense of well-being.
So next time you find yourself worrying about not having enough time, ask yourself.
Can I really afford not to make the time to exercise?
Are you making the time to exercise? Please tell me in the comment below.
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Interesting article ! I used to work out at gym 3 days a week and it was something I could not do fine without. Five years ago I had a serious accident and even though I am feeling much better and I can walk again, I still am on rehab. I try to take physical exercise at home because it is easier for me at home than at the gym. Believe it or not, I miss going to the gym !!!
I also miss when I don’t exercise. Thanks for commenting Alessandro!
Thank you so much for your suggestions! I’m looking to get back into a regular workout routine and It’s been hard to get the ball rolling again. I’m going to try several of your suggestions!
It’s hard to get started, but you will feel so much better when you exercise regularly. Start today to feel great tomorrow. Thanks the comment Jen!
You make some great points and I will be showing your post to my clients from now on when they want to listen to me 🙂 Being accountable to yourself fills up your self esteem tank as well as helping you achieve your goals so I agree with you that the first step should be to create some kind of schedule, maybe a weekly one, in which the workouts slot in nicely.
Your right, scheduling your time helps make it easier. Thanks for the comments Cristina, I really appreciate it!
Love your blog! I am a snowboarding instructor and have several students who are at their mid 60’s! Have just sent your blog to them and they loved it!
Excellent! Thank you Lorraine!
Thank-you for writing this article about finding the time to exercise! Great info. …it seems that exercising is not the priority today. However, I walk several times a day to take out my puppy. Getting down and sweaty isn’t as appealing as it was years ago. Thanks for the great advice!
Your right, for most people exercise is not a priority. Which is sad considering the health statistics around the world. Thanks for commenting Elizabeth!