Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that 2014 is already here. It seems like just yesterday we were worrying about Y2K and here we are 14 years later, ringing in another new year.
Perhaps your New Year’s Resolution includes some sort of fitness goal: weight loss, exercising more, etc. That’s a great resolution to have, but how will you go about making it a reality? Why not try one of these simple tips for fitting exercise into your busy lifestyle.
- Cut down on media. Keep track of the amount of time you spend on social media. 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there…it all adds up! If you find yourself spending 30 minutes or hours on social media, use that time to fit in some exercise. Even short bouts of exercise can add up to benefit your health and weight loss goals.
- Wake up earlier. I agree, this one is easier said than done. If I had a dollar for every time I set the alarm for 4:30 and then slept in until 5:30 I could probably still be vacationing in Florida right now. There are some tricks you can use to help yourself become an early riser. For ideas, click here. Getting up earlier can be difficult but it’s a wonderful feeling to know that your workout is done first thing in the morning.
- Be active while you’re watching the screen. I’m not much of a TV person but do enjoy watching a good movie while I’m on the elliptical or running. If you have a list of “can’t miss” TV shows schedule your exercise during those shows. You won’t miss your shows and will likely find the exercise to be more
enjoyabletolerable. - Socialize while you exercise. Group exercise classes have always been popular as they offer a fun way to get in a workout.
- Be an active commuter. Bike to work or walk to work if it’s possible. If that’s not possible try walking your kids to school. It’s great exercise for you and your child and is a good chance to talk about your child’s school day.
- Take the kids. Trust me–there’s nothing more difficult than pushing a 35 pound toddler in a running stroller. I once took my 4 year old on a training run for the half marathon I did. It was the hilliest training run we had and I must have had a pretty tight grip on the stroller–when I was done with the run I ended up with blisters on both of my thumbs. If you do take the kiddo with you make sure you’re prepared. Snacks, drinks, and even blankets if it’s chilly. Your body temperature is rising but your child’s is not so make sure they are dressed warm enough.
- Exercise on your lunch hour. If you’re able to, work a little longer day and exercise on your lunch. It can be hard to find energy to exercise at the end of the day and if you have kids it can be even more difficult, especially if they’re involved in after school activities.
- Bring your weights to work. Â Many workplaces have an onsite fitness center you can access on your lunch hour but if that’s not a reality buy a pair of dumbbells or a resistance band and bring them to work with you. Throw in a few sets of weights every hour, it only takes a minute or two and you can get some additional exercise while you’re at work.
- Be more active throughout the day. We’ve all heard tips such as “park far away” and “take the stairs” but these ideas are an easy way to be more active during the day. I wouldn’t call taking the stairs exercise (unless you’re running up and down them multiple times) but more activity during the day does equal more calories burned.
- Go digital. I know I talked about stepping away from social media and screens but these devices do offer great “on-the-go” workouts, too. Download a few different workouts on your tablet that you can do anywhere–then you’ll have no excuses!
Your nutrition can also affect your energy level and your workouts. We have a variety of sports supplements that may help boost your workouts. Click here to shop!
How do you fit exercise into your busy lifestyle? Share any of your tips below!
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Thank you this was such a great post! Running is a great workout, but it’s also great transportation,” she says. “Sometimes I get home even earlier than I normally do taking the subway. Not a runner? Bike to work, get off your bus or train a few stops earlier, or park the car farther away to extend your walking time.
Great tips, Amelia!