For many folks, juggling work, family, and personal commitments can make it challenging to prioritize exercise and movement. However, regular physical activity is essential for overall health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies to help everyone find the time to make movement a priority in their lives.
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Schedule It Like an Appointment:
One of the most effective ways to ensure you make time for exercise is to schedule it as you would any other important appointment. Block out dedicated time in your calendar for your workouts. Treat this time with the same level of commitment as you would a work meeting or a doctor’s appointment.
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Embrace Short, High-Intensity Workouts:
You don’t need hours at the gym to stay active. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and short, focused workouts can be incredibly effective in a short amount of time. Aim for 20-30 minute workouts that get your heart rate up and challenge your muscles. There are many online resources and apps that offer quick and efficient workout routines. This is what we do! Join one of our programs here.
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Prioritize Morning Workouts:
Consider starting your day with exercise. Morning workouts can boost your energy levels, enhance your mood, and ensure that your workout isn’t pushed aside by other responsibilities that may arise later in the day. Lay out your workout clothes the night before to make the process smoother. I do this every night, and even after years of this habit, I STILL begrudgingly get up when the alarm goes off. I just know at this point that this feeling will pass 10 minutes after I’m out of bed. Join me live at 6am here.
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Incorporate Movement into Daily Life:
Look for opportunities to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, do a wall squat while brushing your teeth, or take short breaks to stretch and move around during your workday. Small, consistent actions can add up over time.
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Involve Your Family:
If you have children, involve them in your exercise routine. Go for family walks or bike rides, have active playtime in the park, or try kid-friendly yoga sessions. This not only helps you stay active but also sets a positive example for your children about the importance of exercise. Gosh, I think even cleaning the house counts! Don’t underestimate the power of any kind of movement.
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Find a Support System:
Join a fitness class, group, or enlist a workout buddy. Having someone to exercise with can provide accountability and make workouts more enjoyable. Additionally, you can motivate and encourage each other on your fitness journey. I like to be this person for the RF members, but they are also this for each other. It’s pretty awesome to see it in action.
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Multitask Mindfully:
While it’s essential to focus on your workouts, there are times when multitasking can be a practical solution. For example, you can join a work call you just need to listen to while taking a walk around the block, or challenge your kid to some 40m sprints while spending some quality time with them. This way, you can combine activities that contribute to both your physical and mental well-being.
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Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself:
Life can be unpredictable, and there will be days when your exercise plans don’t go as expected. It’s crucial to be flexible and forgiving of yourself. Don’t let a missed workout derail your motivation. Instead, adapt and get back on track when you can.
Making movement a priority is an investment in your physical and mental health. I know I sound like I’m joking when I tell people, “I workout so I’m not a bitch”, but in actuality, I’m kind of serious. I truly see exercise as my way to mentally get through some of the tough shit in life. 
By scheduling it in, embracing short workouts, prioritizing morning activity, involving your family, finding a support system, and multitasking mindfully, you can create opportunities for regular physical activity in your busy life. Remember that consistency is key, and with determination and creativity, you can prioritize movement and reap the numerous benefits it offers. Your health and well-being deserve it!
Plus, you’ll just feel like a f’ing badass while doing it.
The badass approach to fitness, health & mental wealth,
Ashley Dale Grant
