Do you often feel like you just don’t have time to exercise? Like other priorities are constantly getting in the way? As if each week brings different and new demands competing for your time? That exercise, which should be important to you, is often shrugged off and moved further down your list?
I totally can not relate.
Oh wait, yes I can.
Often exercise and workouts are the first thing that I scratch off of my “To Do” list, out of pure necessity. I mean the kids need to eat and laundry just doesn’t do itself!
Nevertheless, I know that my health should remain one of my top priorities. Because when I take good care of my health I positivity affect all of the other areas in my life. My health allows me to have the energy and stamina I need in order to meet my daily demands.
So how DO you and I find the time?
You make the time, protect the time, and then focus the time.
No. 1 – Make the Time
You have to start by scheduling the time into your days and weeks. If you don’t carve out realistic time frames you won’t be able to do it. Other life demands will creep in. Look over your entire schedule and be honest with yourself. Don’t schedule 90 minutes of exercise if you realistically can only do 30 minutes. Start with smaller time commitments and then increase as your habit grows and your schedule becomes more of a routine.
No. 2 – Protect the Time
I always tell my clients and class members – “You have to make your exercise an appointment.” Like a Dentist or Doctor appointment. An appointment that is scheduled (see No. 1) and that is protected. When you have an appointment scheduled to see your Doctor, then you tell your friend you can’t do lunch on that same day and time. This principle should apply for your exercise appointments as well. If you’ve scheduled your exercise time, you must protect the time too!
No. 3 – Focus the Time
Don’t wait until your exercise appointment time (see No. 2) to decide what you are going to do! Plan ahead. Focus your exercise time on exactly what you want to do.
- Do you want to attend a spin class? Have your outfit laid out and your water bottle filled.
- Are you going to start running? Make sure that your phone is charged and ready to play your tunes.
- Ready to try a yoga class? Dust off your yoga mat and confirm the class start time.
KISS – Life is all about choices, so make good choices with your time in order to protect your health!
You’ll no longer find yourself saying – “I just don’t have time to exercise.”
Are you in an exercise rut right now? Or are you rocking and rolling with your routine? I’m on the side of rocking and rolling, a new puppy can help with that!!!
