We all know that exercising is a good thing to do, but often we take the easy route and say we can’t fit it into our busy schedules. Between work, college, parenting, meeting friends, and everything in the middle it can indeed be tough to stay on top of your fitness game. However, that’s why we’re here to help with some top tips on how to squeeze in your fitness commitments into your schedule. Keep on reading to find out our simple steps on how to balance your fitness and the rest of your life.
Plan Ahead
It’s a simple suggestion but one that people often forget about which is planning ahead. While you might have a lot on your calendar it is important to treat your workout schedule like anything else you note in the weeks to come. Your fitness is something that can provide you with plenty of physical and mental benefits, so give it the time it deserves. Think of the structure of your week and instead of spending time on your phone in the morning or binge watching the latest show online, make a point of scheduling in time for your workout, as you’ll find there’s a lot of time each day that you could make better use of to build your fitness while relieving the stress of the day.
Fitness Classes
After you plan ahead you might need some ideas on what to do during your workout time and if like most people, you’re on a tight schedule fitness classes are a fantastic, quick way to get your workout in. Most fitness classes last between 30 minutes to an hour, with a fitness instructor on hand to guide you through your workout. That means that not only do they take up a minimal amount of your day, but you are sure to be making the most of your workout with a fitness instructor pushing you on. What’s also great about fitness classes is there’s something for everyone with spin classes, aqua aerobics, bootycamp classes, and so many more for you to try.
Workout With Friends
If you’re someone who manages to find the time to workout but struggles with the motivation, then a gym or swim buddy might be exactly what you need. Whether that’s a friend who is looking to reach the same goals as you or through a fitness class where you have others to push you on, it provides extra motivation and responsibility. On the days you aren’t feeling like heading in, you will have an added drive as you won’t want to let your workout friend down, and you can help bring one another to new levels. Make sure if you are going to work out in a team that the people you want to work with are on similar timetables to you, as you don’t want to be dragged down by people who are never available.
HIIT Workouts
While every form of exercise is beneficial, high intensity interval training or HIIT workouts are undeniably effective and timesaving. These workouts involve performing exercises at a high intensity as quickly as possible in a short space of time and taking little rest throughout the process. You will push yourself as hard as possible over a small amount of time, and reap benefits such as high calorie burn, increased metabolism for 24-48 hours after, building overall fitness levels, plus much more. It’s a good idea to sit down with a fitness professional and create a HIIT workout routine that targets the areas of your body that you want before setting out on your journey and what’s incredible is how much time you can save.
Start a Little Earlier
Another top tip is to get up that bit earlier in the morning and work out before starting the rest of your day. Although this is tough as you’ll be beginning your day earlier, it also ensures that you leave no excuses for not doing your workout. Much like before, create a routine in the mornings to have something to eat before taking on your workout. Once you have it done in the morning you won’t have to worry about it as the day goes on, and you will start your day with the additional boost of natural energy exercise provides.
Fitness Programmes
If you’re someone who prefers working out in the gym alone but need a little guidance, then a fitness programme might be just what you need. Working with a fitness instructor you can build a fitness routine to achieve your goals, and they can provide you with exercises that work in your timeline. This means you’ll have support along the way as well as a balanced and time effective workout routine that you can get on with in your own time around your schedule. As well as saving time, having instructions from an industry professional can help you make the correct adjustments to your fitness plan should you need to.
Walk or Cycle if Possible
While hitting the gym or diving into the pool for a quick workout is a massive winner in terms of hitting peak physical conditions another way to get your exercise in is by simply walking or cycling more. If at all possible, walk or cycle to work each day, not only will it have a positive impact on your physical health, but it will also save you money on fuel or transport costs at the same time. However, if you’re someone who has to commute to work from a far then take a bit of time to move on your lunch break or walk the dog before or after work. There are plenty of ways to get that little bit extra of a workout in, whether that’s cycling to the shop with the kids, or walking while talking on the phone, there are ways to continue staying active while going about your busy schedule.
Healthy Eating
Last, but certainly not least, a good way to keep fit during a busy lifestyle is to look after your diet. While working out and staying active are key, what you put in your body has just as big an impact. The more rubbish you consume the more time it takes to work it off, so by just taking time to consider your dietary needs, eating healthier foods, and drinking plenty of water, you will see vast improvements in your fitness levels as you maintain a balanced diet. Our top tip is to meal plan, which will allow you to not only sort out your shopping list but also prepare your meals in advance using fresh ingredients, for example, get in what you need for your lunch and make it the night before to save time while also cutting out the urge to buy unhealthy snacks from the shop near work.
Getting Started
So, there you have it, our top tips on how to stay fit while juggling a busy schedule. The biggest hurdle to get over is getting started, which begins with preparing your schedule, planning your workout times, sorting out your diet, and building an overall healthier routine. Remember your health is as important as anything else you do and for that reason you should make time for it even during the busiest of schedules while also ensuring you take time to rest up. Being at the top of your fitness game will ensure you have the mental and physical energy to thrive in every other aspect of your life so give it the attention it deserves.
How Aura Leisure Can Help
At Aura Leisure we have a variety of ways to keep fit no matter your schedule. Whether you want to pop into one of our incredible swimming pools for a few lengths or hit the gym for a run on the treadmill we’ve got you sorted. We’ve also got a range of fitness classes available such as Aura Kettlebells, Aura Aqua Aerobics, Aura Boxercise, and many more to help you keep fit during your busy schedule. Or if you’re someone looking for a little extra guidance to reach your fitness targets we’ve got our proven starter fitness progamme Fit for Life and our more advanced Lean3 fitness programme to choose from as our amazing team of fitness instructors will help you along your fitness journey from the very beginning no matter your timetable, plus you get access to everything along with much more as a member at Aura Leisure.