Let’s face it, finding the time to exercise can be difficult!
After a long day at work you probably just want to put your feet up on the sofa and cuddle up with your family, but it’s important not to let your goals and passions slide as the result of a hard day in the office.
Exercise isn’t just good for the body, it’s also excellent for your mental health too! In the busy lives we live these days, it’s important to find the time to switch off from the world and do something to get our bodies moving and our hearts pumping.
Working out gives us the space for some ‘me time’ and is a great opportunity for some time to think and mentally wind-down from the day.
There is something really liberating about getting your gym outfit on, heading out the door and knowing that for the next hour at least, all you’ll need to think about is your workout.
Exercise will release dopamine in your brain (that’s the ‘reward’ chemical), making you feel happier, increase your energy levels, help to increase your brain health and memory skills and even improve the condition of your skin! All of this means that not only do you look and feel great in yourself, but your family members get the best of you too!
With all of that in mind, let’s look at some ways to fit your workout around your busy lifestyle.
Probably not the tip that you wanted to hear but there are many benefits to getting up early and fitting in that workout before your family wakes up.
You’ll be full of those lovely post-gym endorphins when everyone gets up plus you’ll feel energised and proud of yourself for completing a goal first thing in the morning, which will set you up for success in the rest of your day!
The trick here is to pack your gym bag the night before, so when that dreaded 5am alarm goes off, you can just grab your kit and go (and trust us, rolling out of bed that early really does get easier the more you do it!).
Being a busy parent doesn’t mean that your fitness goals have to be put on the back burner. Why not enlist some help from your family and friends, especially the ones with kids too!
You could take turns looking after the little ones while you go out for a run or hit the gym, plus it’s a fun play-date for the kiddies.
Remember to repay them by looking after their kids and let them enjoy some peace and quiet too (Everyone loves a free baby sitter once in a while, right?!)
Why not turn your fitness passion into a family adventure?
Grab your family and head outdoors, you could all go on a bike ride together or go for a jog while the kids ride along on their scooters. Not only will you all benefit from exercising but you’ll get to spend some quality time together, and make some fun memories in the meantime!
If you have a family calendar, write down the days that you want to head to the gym and arrange for your partner or family to collect the kids from school.
Writing down your commitments means you’re more likely to stick to them, just like if you had an appointment to go to. If you organise it well in advance, your family will be able to support you and give you the room you need to attend that yoga class that you really want to go to.
Taking your kids to the park after school? Why not play right along with them?
You could do tricep dips off the park bench and pull-ups on the monkey bars. Next time you take the kids to the park, why not put your trainers on, put your phone away and run around with them!
Kids have tons of energy and not only will you burn loads of calories trying to keep up, they’ll have a great time too!
We all lead busy lives and often use the excuse that we “don’t have time” to do certain things, especially working out, but let’s be honest, if you have time to watch tv for 2 hours, you could spend at least 30 minutes working out; even if it’s just doing some sit-ups and squats while you watch your fave tv shows.
Keep in mind that fitness is a lifestyle choice and not just a 6-week diet before a big event, we’ll all miss the occasional workout but if you stay motivated throughout the week, you’ll be able to achieve your fitness goals one step at a time.
Love working out? Why not turn your passion into a career at become a personal trainer!
Learn more about getting qualified here