Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

We can all probably come up with a thousand and one reasons why we can’t work out today. The main culprit usually is our belief that we don’t have time to exercise. Most of our schedules are already jam-packed to the point where it can be hard to fit in an hour to watch TV, let alone go to the gym.

A year ago, I would use any excuse I could think of to not work out. But one day I woke up bound and determined to make a change. I started small, fitting in a half hour of physical activity almost every day, and continued to build off that in the weeks and months that followed. And what I found is that no matter how busy life can get, it is easier to fit in fitness than you might think.

Here some ways I was able to successfully fit exercise into my daily routine:

1. Make a schedule and stick to it
   Open your calendar and block off some time at least 5 times a week to work out. Treat it like any other appointment or meeting that you wouldn’t blow off. This small step is what really kept me on track. I also usually plan out the type of exercise I am going to do each day ahead of time. For instance, on Mondays I will run three miles, on Tuesdays I will do some weight training, etc. I found that by going into the workout with a goal I am less likely to get lazy and quit early.
       
2. Wake up earlier
   Most of us have to wake up early most days, so you are probably rolling your eyes at my suggestion that you get up even earlier. But, if you are going to have a super busy day or evening the morning might be the only time to fit in some exercise. What I do in these instances is get my bag packed the night before with my work clothes, toiletries, etc. I then sleep in the clothes I am going to work out in and literally just roll out of bed, pick up my bag and head to the gym right after my alarm goes off. I’m usually so dazed in the morning that my workouts don’t seem as brutal too!
        
3. Turn your commute into a workout
   Instead of hopping on the train or driving, try biking, running or walking to and/or from work. You might even find that your commute is a little faster since you won’t have to deal with traffic or train times! I often take advantage of the bike share program in my city and bike home after work – weather permitting of course!
        
4. Work out during lunch
   I often use my lunch break to go for a run or a bike ride. It’s a great way to clear my head and relieve some stress after a busy morning of meetings. It’s also nice to get my workout out of the way early so I don’t have to rush after work in case I have plans later in the evening.
       
5. 5. Plan physical activities with family or friends
   If you are having trouble finding the time to exercise with your busy social calendar, try incorporating physical activities in the time you spend with friends, family or significant others. Some fun ideas include:
   • Going for a long walk after dinner or drinks
   • Ice Skating
   • Biking
   • Hiking
   • Rock climbing
   • Kayaking
   • Taking dance lessons
   • Playing a pick-up game of your favorite sport
   • Jogging
   Having someone else to work out with makes it more enjoyable and is also a great way to stay motivated.
        
6. Make use of your TV time
   Watching TV is one of life’s most simple pleasures. But instead of just vegging out on the couch, try moving around while you catch up on your favorite shows. Do some stretching, lift some free weights or hop on the treadmill or elliptical while you watch TV. You might even find that your workout will go by even faster because you are distracted!
       
7. Join an intermural sports league
   Exercising doesn’t need to be something you dread – it can be a fun way to hang out with friends or meet new people. Look up the intermural sport leagues in your area and see if any of the activities interest you. Ask your friends to start up a softball, kickball or basketball team with you or you can join an already existing team as a way to make new friends.

How do you fit fitness into your week? We’d love to hear your tips!