Factor in busy work routines, family time, and other activities, and it can be difficult to squeeze fitness into the schedule. According to one study, nearly half of Americans want to exercise but say they don’t have the time.
There’s an old saying, however, that “if it’s important, you’ll find a way.” Here are a few ways busy professionals can squeeze fitness into an already crammed schedule.
Meal Prep
Planning out and preparing even one meal a day in advance can save a lot of time. The key is working that meal prep around when you have the most energy/ time available to exercise.
For example, if you have more wiggle room in the morning for a quick workout before heading to the office, put together some overnight oats the night before. That way, you still get some fuel for the workout but don’t have to spend valuable time making breakfast.
If your lunch hour is the only time when you can hit the gym, then be sure to pack a light (but still nutritious lunch). This will cut down on the time you might otherwise eat up if you spent your lunch out going out to a restaurant.
Try Online Classes
If finding time to go to the gym just isn’t in the cards, you may want to try online exercise classes. Phone apps like 8fit, Centr, and Nike Training Club offer customized fitness routines led by top trainers.
Many gyms such as 24 Hour Fitness, Orange Therapy, and the YMCA also offer online classes for members who can’t make it to in-person workouts as often as they would like.
Deskercise
Despite the goofy name, it is actually possible to get some decent fitness in without stepping too far away from your desk. Considering the risk of sitting behind a desk for too long, incorporating some desk exercises into your workday is a smart move.
If at all possible, try to alternate between working at a sitting desk and a standing desk. You should also be doing oblique twists to strengthen the muscles that run along either side of your abdomen.
Desk planks or pushups can also be a good way of building core and upper body strength. Put your hands on the edge of your desk as a support system, and for a plank, tighten your core while holding up your weight position for 30 seconds. For a pushup, lower your body 90 degrees, then push back up with your arms.
Consistency is Key
No matter which workout routine you find works best for you, the key is being consistent with it. The reason this is so important is that it maintains all of the positive benefits of exercise, such as mental health, a strong immune system, better sleep, and muscle strength.
When you exercise in a consistent pattern, it targets certain muscles, developing them in a healthy way that reduces the chance of injury. Finally, doing something consistently is how healthy habits are developed, and research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to develop a habit – so keep at it!
One of the best things you can do for exercise is a brisk walk and the trails and paved walking paths around the master-planned Crosswinds community are perfect for getting in some exercise before or at the end of a busy day. Contact our team to learn more.