4 Tips for Fitting a Workout in a Busy Schedule

11.16.2015

how to work out on a busy schedule
*Image via

Since sharing with you about my triumphant (ahem) return to post-baby running/working out, I've had several people ask me how I'm able to fit in a run or a workout with my busier schedule. I'll take your compliments about how awesome I am, but honestly it's not as impressive as you think. I often feel like I'm doing the bare minimum, but then I realize that something is better than nothing and that makes me feel better.

I wanted to share with you a few quick tips that I keep in mind to help me stay motivated. These aren't rocket science, but hopefully these will help you as a good reminder!

1. Don't procrastinate

The #1 most important rule for me is to decide to go for a run and then actually do it. I've found that if I decide I'm going to go for a run or do a workout but then spend the next ten minutes getting distracted by the TV or checking social media or just procrastinating by tying my shoes really slowly, I'm more likely to just say forget it. If you have a workout scheduled, don't get home and wander around. Put on your workout clothes and get on it.

2. Remember that a short workout is better than no workout

Like I said before, something is always better than nothing. These days, I don't have a lot of time to fit in a run or a workout. Sometimes I have a small window that will only allow time for a mile or two. But which is better? Going for a two-mile run or sitting on the couch for those twenty minutes? Don't say "but it's just..." There is no just. Anything you do is better than not doing anything, so fit in a short workout if you can!

I mentioned the "30 Days" app I downloaded to work on planking. That is a couple of minutes out of your day to work on building up your core. Here is one of my favorite arm workouts, and it takes ten minutes. If you don't have time for a high-intensity workout that will get you all sweaty, pick a very small activity like that! I often will just randomly do squats in the middle of the living room. Seriously, something is better than nothing!

3. Give yourself grace to skip a day or two or five

Let's be honest. No one here is going to run in the Olympics any time soon. We are not elite athletes who are paid endorsements to run or workout as their job. Sometimes you just can't get a workout in no matter how much you want to. I myself often miss days of being active because by the end of the day I realize I just didn't even think about it and now I'm in my pjs and you can just forget about it.

Don't beat yourself up about it or look on your Instagram feed and cry over all the photos you see of other people working out. Give yourself grace and realize that at the end of the day, you did your best to fit in what you could. Sometimes that involves working out, and sometimes it doesn't. Either way, you're doing great!

4. Find something YOU like to do

Finally, make sure that the workout you're trying to fit in is something you enjoy. Sure, working out is hard. It makes you hurt and sweat and get cramps, but the burn is a good kind of pain. Just make sure you are enjoying yourself while you're at it. Don't like running? Try swimming or biking! Don't like those either? Try out a yoga class or Barre 3. There is something for everyone. Don't waste time forcing yourself to like a particular workout, or you're always going to dread it and will never have any fun.

So those are a few tips from me to you! Like they say in High School Musical, we are all in this together. Working out is hard but worth it.

p.s. You might also like these past posts found on The Lady Okie Blog:

Please chime in and share any tips that have worked for you! Or, if you have a favorite, short at-home workout, share in the comments!

Miriam said...

The biggest "aha"-moment I had in terms of working out is that even 10 minutes is better than 0 minutes, just like you said. There are days where I think I can't fit anything in, but 10 minutes? Everybody has 10 minutes. Even if I have to split it up in 3 sections, it can be done ;-)

Unknown said...

This is off topic for want you posted about, but I've been thinking about you lately and I just wanted to tell you that. :) It's mostly been stuff like, "man I really like Amanda and that blog of hers." I like that you post about whatever is going on in your life and I'm trying to get better at that.

... Also, I think you're superwoman.

17 Perth said...

Numbers 1 and 2 are by far the most important for me! It's crazy how long it can take me to actually get out the door! Haha.

The Girl who Loved to Write said...

You amaze me! My kid isn't even here yet, and I already feel so overwhelmed that I can't imagine fitting working out regularly into my schedule. Thanks for the inspiration!

Caroline @ In Due Time said...

Such good points! I am happy for you that you are able to take time for yourself to squeeze it in!!!

Ali said...

Yes, commit to doing it once you've decided! I'm also a fan of scheduling my workouts - especially on the weekend. I let my husband know when I'm going, and it becomes part of our schedule.

I recently tried out a Blogilates youtube video for lower abs. It's about 10 minutes long, but only 8ish of actual workouts. I love it! Totally feel the burn. There's a bunch more that I want to check out. I pull them up on my Kindle Fire and go to town in my living room. No gym required!

Nadine said...

You have some great points here!!! I always remind myself that a little work out is better than nothing if I get a late start or have a lot going on for the day. And finding something you dont mind is key!

Ashley Lillis said...

Such great tips! I definitely need to remember that a short workout is still a workout and to just get my butt out of bed in the morning and work out!

Kayla MKOY said...

This is HUGE. I set so many obtainable goals this month, but the truth is, I'm just FINALLY enjoying some much needed free time after the craziest, busiest month of my life. I DO need to put these tips into action though, and get back in it!! :) thanks for the motivation, girl.

Andrea H. said...

You are SO right about all of these - especially #1. If I have a plan to run, I better do it immediately when I get up or when I get home because if I hesitate AT ALL it just doesn't happen. Love these great reminders! :)

Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often said...

The procrastination is key. I find sometimes talking myself out of a workout while on the way home from work. If I put my workout gear on right away I am more likely to just do it.

Kristen @ See You In A Porridge said...

love this post.. if i let myself procrastinate, i won't do it. i recently switched gyms that offer certain classes that i used to take and already i feel way more motivated because i really enjoy the classes. i like working out on my own, running, etc but sometimes i really need a class and not having the option was really wearing me down. anyway. so true about something is better than nothing, i need to remind myself of that more often!

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