How to Fit Exercise Into a Busy Schedule & Actually Stick To It

Set yourself up for fitness success!

It’s tough to figure out how to fit exercise into a busy schedule. There’s work, school, children, partners, housework, meal prep, friends, parents, laundry, washing, scrubbing, meetings, parties, fixing… sigh. It’s exhausting just thinking about it.

It’s a challenge to fit exercise into an already-packed schedule. Nevertheless, if you’re determined you can do it!

Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or functional fitness, there are ways you can fit in brief periods of activity that will help you reach your end goals. Below, we’re listing some of the most helpful tips for fitting exercise into a busy schedule.

From ways to sneak in some cardio, to how to stay motivated when you’re exhausted, these are the need-to-know tips for fitting fitness into any lifestyle.

1. Get a gym buddy.

We’re significantly less likely to bail on the gym if someone is counting on us. The treadmill might not notice our absence, but our friend surely will. Nobody wants to get stood up for a workout.

This is why many fitness experts recommend pairing up with a gym buddy. It’s an effective, popular way to hold yourself accountable.

Get your co-worker, classmate, sister, best friend, or even parent to go to the gym with you. If you’re both motivated, you’ll help keep each other riled up and excited. However, be weary of that friend that encourages you to skip or reward yourself with larger-than-life meals.

If your goal is to lose weight, keep these 15 Workout Tips to Help You Reach Your Weight Loss Goal.

2. Find a workout class that you love.

Workout classes are a great way to stay fit. Instead of wondering around the gym checking Facebook, you’ll have 60 minutes of focused exercise. A good instructor will keep an eye on you and make sure you don’t slack off. On a busy schedule, you have to make every minute count!

Most gyms offer a variety of free workout classes. They’ll usually have Zumba, yoga, and kickboxing. Try as many classes as you can and find one that you genuinely love.

You can also try some Zumba routines at home first, or check out this Wonder Woman Superhero Workout that incorporated some fun kickboxing combos. If you like the workouts, we highly encourage you to try a class.

3. Have some go-to workouts that take 30 minutes or less.

Fitness is about consistency. It’s more effective to do a short workout every day than it is to do one long workout every two weeks. This is why it’s good to have a database of short workouts you can fit in anytime.

On days when you don’t have the time or energy to make it to the gym, try doing a quick workout at home. You can do one of these 15 Workouts in 15 Minutes or Fewer from the comfort of your own living room.

This post may include affiliate links.

Sofia Lopez

Sofia received her BA from Cornell University and her MFA from San Francisco State University. She creates workouts and fitness challenges. Her hobbies include running, hiking, and listening to audiobooks from the exercise bike.

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