Do you think you’re too busy to workout?
Well I have some helpful advice and a little tough love for you. The reality of this is that you’re not too busy, you’re prioritizing other things.
Before you say, “Wait a minute! I have a full time job, kids, a house to care for, and so much more.” All of that is completely valid and true! But you obviously would like to make time in your schedule to work out, or you wouldn’t be here. So let’s break down ways to prioritize exercise!
Let’s think about the amount of time you spend on things you don’t need to be doing. Like binging TV or scrolling through social media. I was so guilty of both.
If you currently spend 2 hours a day on social media or watching TV, those are hours you could spend getting active. I downloaded an app that notifies me when it’s been an hour and if I want to stay on longer it makes me enter a code to get permission- it’s this very big annoying deal so I usually just get off the instagram. But it makes me intentional with how I spend my time!
If social media and TV aren’t a problem for you, but you still feel like you don’t have enough time, let’s break down your idea of “working out.” Maybe you’re setting too long of goals for your workouts. Whether you’re a new mom, juggling a new job, homeschooling, or working full time, YOUR REASONS ARE VALID! Here’s a reminder that your workouts don’t have to look like they did a year ago, like your friend’s, or like mine. Your workouts should look like they fit into your schedule. Maybe it’s 10 minutes in the morning, walking on your lunch break, or 10 minutes before you go to bed.
If you set a time for your workout and you think “ugh.. I just don’t feel I have the time or energy to do that.” Maybe that time limit is a bit high. As much as I love big goals, I love when people set smaller attainable goals even more! If people start out going 110% they’re likely to burn out before the week is over and they might even feel worse than they did before.
Start somewhere. You thinking about this and deciding to make a change says a lot more about you than your inability to stick to 1 hour workouts 5 days a week. Persistence, resilience, and openness will go a long way.
My advice to you:
Choose one habitual exercise to work on for a while. Could be a week, a month, or a year. Here are a few options:
- Working out for 10 minutes ⅔ times a week
- Going on a walk during your lunch break or first thing in the morning
- Starting your day off with a short 10 minute yoga flow
Even now, if I feel too burnt out or busy to set aside a whole hour for a workout I think, “Okay Nikki, what do you have time for?” Often it’s 15 minutes of arms, a quick walk, or some yoga to move my body. Soon working out and being active won’t feel like a chore. It will feel like a gift and something you look forward to. Even when you reach the point of enjoying your workout, it doesn’t have to look like lifting 20 lb weights or maxing out your squats. It could mean 20 minute arms and legs throughout the week with a cardio session thrown in between. Fitness is not “one size fits all.” Everyone has unique bodies, experiences, and lifestyles. But if you can set aside 10 minutes in your day to devote to your body, it will thank you!