Skip to main content

Life Happens. 7 Tips for Fitting in Your Workouts

Happy Tuesday! One day closer to the weekend right ;-)

This morning I managed to knock out a really good 10-mile run. I am loving getting the long runs done during the week. Jason started off with me for about 3.5 miles then I met up with Amy. The weather was fairly pleasant, definitely getting used to this unseasonably cool weather we're having.

I also got in 6 solo miles yesterday morning. And while I wasn't just jumping out of bed ready to go, I know that it's a great way to start the day and to ensure that I get my workout done.

People often question how I fit in all of my workouts. It's not always easy. I don't have any more extra time than anyone else. Granted, I don't have children, but it's not like I sit around idle. I work full time and am also now working a second job as a fitness trainer. I still have to maintain the house (or attempt to do so), usually I make dinner, and at some point catch up with my husband.

So, how do I fit it in? Sometimes I don't. Sometimes life does get in the way. For example, I had planned on biceps, triceps, abs before meeting with a client AFTER working all day. I had forgotten about a late meeting, so that meant no weight workout. But, I always have a plan B, C and even D for when I can't get in a workout when I thought I could.

Knowing I have a backup keeps me from stressing out about it too much. It keeps me sane too. Sometimes flexibility is key. Like knowing it's ok to switch up your rest days or going with a totally different workout for sanity's sake. I mean really, there are some days when you just don't have the energy to get in the planned weights but an easy run works out mentally.

I thought I might share a few tips and/or tricks for getting in your workouts. Honestly, what it really starts to come down to is that it becomes part of your routine, just like going to work is part of your routine or going to class, or whatever. It's just part of the day.


How to fit in your workouts:

1. Schedule It - Make it part of your calendar for the day just as you would a doctor's appointment, a haircut or picking up the kids.

2. Split it Up - I don't think 2-a-days are ideal to do each and every day. I think you'll burn out. But, sometimes they are necessary, especially if you're planning on doing both cardio and weights. Get in a short cardio session in the morning then schedule a short weight workout at lunch or after work. 30 minutes each session. Remember, you don't have to do both!

3. Have a Plan - Know what workouts you are planning for the week. Have your weights already written out. This keeps you on track, but also makes you more efficient with your workouts - especially with weights.

4. Have a Backup Plan - Know that if you can't get in that run on Monday as planned, you have another day you can get it done. Same for weights or any workout you're doing. Have a backup. It might rain so you can't ride outside, have a plan. Your gym may end up being closed or too crowded. Have a plan.

5. Enlist a Buddy - Scheduling a workout with your spouse or friend is a great way to ensure you get it done. Plus, having a friend can be motivating and more fun.

6. Get it Done Early - I know, I know, waking up is not easy. But, getting your workout done first thing in the morning makes it less likely that something will come up and cause you to miss the workout.

7. Know Your Focus - If you know you have a crazy, hectic week, know what your fitness focus is. Know your limits and don't try to cram it all in. Are you training for a race? Are you more focussed on your weights? Maybe you're gearing up for a big bike ride. This can also go along with #3.

How do you manage to fit in your workouts? Do you make contention plans for workouts in case they are missed or maybe if you're traveling? 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Love in Photos

In honor of Valentine's Day - Love in Photos Husband Family and Furbabies Friends Even if you're not a fan of Valentine's Day - I hope you have a wonderful day and remember the loves in your life.

Mid-Week Mix-Up - Disconnecting to Reconnect

Another Double Workout This morning I got up when Jason got up to go to swim. The plan was to do Cathe's MMA Kickboxing DVD then do back and triceps at lunch or after work. I really needed a day off from running - I had run 5 days straight. And wouldn't you know it that my cross-training day also happens to be the first morning in months that it was in the low 60's. Really? Talk about bad timing. I almost feel like I let the universe down by not taking advantage of the crazy cool temps. And of course they go right back up the rest of the week. Humph.... But, I listened to my body, my feet, my piriformis...all telling me to not run. So, I didn't. I did my kickboxing workout (sulking just a bit I won't lie). But it was a good way to "kick" off the morning. During lunch, I ran home to get in my back and triceps weights done. I went with my same back and triceps workout as last week. No gym means no assisted pullups or barbell rows. So, I do worry a bit

Workout Wednesday - Body Blaster Tabata

Happy Hump Day! I wanted to thank everyone for their comments on yesterday's post: Be Kinder to Your Body. Calories are Not the Enemy . It sounds like it resonated with many of you. Today I wanted to share a new workout with you. I've been working on interval workouts for some of my clients. I try to give them the most bang for their buck (time). I know that in an ideal world, we would all have time to do longer workouts. There would never be scheduling conflicts, sick husbands or kids, or sick us. In reality, workouts need to be effective and efficient. And they don't have to be lengthy to be effective and efficient either. There's no need to spend hours in a gym to get in a good workout. Interval workouts like HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) or tabata, or even interval running are great ways to get in a fantastic workout in a short amount of time and have many benefits. You can read more about Tabata workouts  here . The benefits of this type of work