Let's face it, friends, life can be hectic and between work, family, and the endless to-do list, most of us find it extremely difficult to carve out time to exercise. When we have to juggle so much day in and day out, carving out time to concentrate on our fitness can sometimes feel like a luxury we can't afford in our busy schedules.
But here's the truth: you don't need hours upon hours to stay healthy and strong. With some planning, the right equipment, and strategies, you can integrate effective workouts into your daily routine, no matter how packed your schedule is. The following are five simple ways to do just that:
1. Embrace Micro-Workouts: Small Bites of Fitness
If you think you need a full hour to get in a good workout, then you are wrong (please forgive our straightforwardness ;-). The truth is, Micro-workouts, or short bursts of exercise, have been shown to be an incredibly effective way to stay fit.
How to incorporate micro-workouts into your schedule:
- Do squats, lunges, or jumping jacks while watching your favorite show or listening to your favorite podcast instead of just sitting around.
- While talking on the phone, get into the habit of walking and talking. The person on the other end of the call will have no idea that you are using that time to burn a few calories and get those much-needed steps in.
- I'm not big on microwave use, but if you are, instead of just standing mindlessly watching your burrito go around and around as it heats up, use that time instead to do some calf raises or countertop push-ups.
- Before you start your day, take 5 to 15 minutes to incorporate a quick stretching routine, mini NOSSK workout, or a quick walk around the neighborhood.
These seemingly small efforts add up as you incorporate them into your day and keep your metabolism revved up, translating to more calories burnt throughout the day.
2. Schedule Workouts Like Important Meetings
We're sure you've heard this one before - what gets scheduled, gets done! That means that if working out is not on your calendar, guess what? It's no surprise that you don't feel like you have the time to work out. Our second recommendation is to treat your workouts with the same importance as business meetings or doctor's appointments.
Helpful Tips:
- Set specific times to work out: Block 15 to 30 minutes in your calendar daily or every other day, dedicated solely to exercise.
- Set reminders: Set alarms or notifications to prompt you to work out. I know as a busy mom that alarms are a lifesaver. Setting a reminder amid a busy day will prompt you to transition to a workout.
- Stay consistent: These small, simple tips will help you build a consistent habit, and you'll soon find out that that habit leads to results.
3. Transform Regular Daily Tasks into a Workout Routine
I have found in my busy life as a mommy that one of the reasons I have maintained my health and fitness over the years is because in those seasons when I did have a formal workout routine in place, the movements from my daily activities helped keep me fit.
Here are some simple ways to do that:
- I know you have heard this before, but there is something to taking the stairs. Skip the elevator whenever possible. When traveling and going through the airport, skip the moving transporter and take the extra steps instead.
Get active during your lunch break: Use part of your lunch break to walk or utilize the employee gym if there is one on-site. These seemingly small adjustments can add physical activity to your day and improve your overall health and fitness in the long run.
4. Utilize Effective Home Workout Tools
When time is tight, having reliable and versatile equipment at home, such as NOSSK, can make all the difference.
Why NOSSK?
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to set up anywhere.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups.
- Efficiency: Enables full-body workouts in a fraction of the time.
With NOSSK, you can perform strength training, flexibility exercises, and more, all from the comfort of your home or even while traveling.
5. Make Fitness a Family Thing
Involving your family and loved ones in your fitness journey can be fun, effective, and motivating.
Suggestions:
- Family walks or bike rides: This has been our family's number one way to bond and stay active together. A quick walk around the neighborhood early in the morning before work or late in the evening after the evening meal is priceless.
- Dance parties: Turn up the music and dance around the living room. If you are a parent, this is a fun way to spend time with your young children. And even if you are not a parent, put on your old favorites and take some time to dance just for the fun of it.
- Active games: Forget the screens and the electronic games for a while and go old school by playing tag, hide and seek, or other movement-based games with your kids or loved ones.
Studies have consistently shown the unique benefits of making fitness a shared activity. One such benefit is the increased likelihood of staying committed and instilling healthy habits in yourself and your loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Finding time to work out doesn't have to be a daunting task. Integrating these quick, simple, and fun strategies into your daily routine can help you stay active and healthy, even with a busy schedule. Remember, consistency is key, and every bit of movement, no matter how small or how short, counts.
Ready to take control of your fitness journey? Join the NOSSK community today at www.nossk.com and discover how easy and effective staying fit can be, even on a busy schedule.