Finding time to work out is difficult no matter what, but the task becomes even more daunting when summer ends and the school year begins. But those school bells aren’t an excuse to stop exercising.
FITTING EXERCISE INTO A BUSY SCHEDULE
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom/dad or have a serious career, making time to take care of yourself is crucial. And not just for your own health, but for your family’s. Exercising regularly ensures you’ll be around to care for them, and it helps instill healthy habits into your children.
So for the sake of your family, here are four tips for squeezing physical activity into your daily routine.
Write it in Stone
If you don’t take the time to plan out your day and schedule a workout, it will definitely never happen. Whether you stay at home, work full-time, work from home, or work part-time, having a set schedule keeps you organized.
Once you’ve created a potential schedule, you can see where working out fits. You may have to rearrange or even eliminate items altogether, but this is the first step. The next step is to actually put that dedicated exercise time into your calendar and set up reminders.
Divide and Prioritize
Instead of making one long, generic to-do list, separate the list into categories. For example, one category each for family, work and self. Then jot down everything you have to do — don’t think, just write.
Once that’s done, look over the list in each category and decide which tasks are the most important and prioritize them. Make sure the important tasks are completed each day.
Look for Opportunities
Opportunities to get active surround us every day, even when we don’t realize it. If you open your eyes, you’ll find plenty of times to exercise. Here are some ideas:
- Do squats while picking up toys.
- Take 5-minute breaks every couple of hours at work to do lunges or stretch.
- Walk to the coffee shop instead of driving.
- Lift your baby or toddler over your head a few times every hour or so.
Those are just a few ways to fit exercise into your normal activities, but you get the idea.
Get the Family Involved
Your kids or spouse shouldn’t be an excuse not to exercise. Instead, they should be your motivation! Get moving together. Go for walks after dinner, play a game of throw football in the yard, take up biking, etc.
Fitness is important. Don’t let the school year be an excuse not to exercise. If you’re having a hard time working out at home, call the fitness pros at Amarillo Town Club. We can help find a fitness solution to meet your schedule and needs.
