Do you feel like your schedule is so full that it is challenging to fit in regular workouts? While everyone knows that health and fitness should be a priority, they often fall to the back burner because of other pressing responsibilities that come up at home and work.

It might be hard to maintain your fitness routine if you are working a full-time job and trying to keep up with children and family activities. While home and career are important, they shouldn’t be a reason for you to neglect your health. The truth is that health and vitality are crucial factors that help you perform well in all other parts of your life.

Here are some tips for finding the balance between work, life, and fitness. Once you find the ideal schedule for your unique needs, you’ll see that it’s possible to reach your fitness goals and keep your career moving forward at the same time.

Tip #1: Look for Ways to Add Fitness to Your Commute

You are traveling to-and-from work every day… is there a way that you can add fitness to this commute? Depending on how far the office is from your home, it might be possible to cycle to work. This approach allows you to “hit two birds with one stone.” You can get to the office and fit your workout in at the same time.

Plus, it feels good to know that you are helping the environment and avoiding the headache of sitting in traffic. You don’t have to cycle to work every day. But even if you do it once or twice a week, it’s a great way to fit in a bit of activity.

If your work is too far to walk or ride a bike, consider joining a gym that is on the way to your office. Then, you can add the habit of working out in the morning on your way to work. Simply leave the house an hour earlier so you can fit in a workout, take a quick shower at the gym, and still arrive in time for your morning meetings.

Tip #2: Listen to Your Body

It’s natural to have ebbs and flows in your fitness routine. Set a workout schedule and maintain consistency as much as possible. But also give yourself a bit of wiggle room if you have a day when you are feeling tired. Sometimes, you’ll gain more benefits by taking a rest day and allowing yourself to catch up on sleep. Then, you’ll be refreshed and ready for a strong workout the next day.

Also, consider adjusting your fitness activity depending on how you are feeling each day. If you have a lot of energy, then go for a run or lift weights. If you are feeling a little rundown – one option is to adjust the intensity of the workout instead of skipping it. Maintaining the habit is essential to keeping your momentum. So, try a yoga class or a 20-minute walk instead.

Tip #3: Put Meal Prepping on the Calendar

There’s a reason why they say that “abs are made in the kitchen.” Make it a priority to prepare healthy meals so that you can avoid fast food or takeout on your lunch breaks. Additionally, meal prepping is an effective solution to maintain a healthy dinner if you are too tired to cook after a long day at work.

Take a few hours on Sundays to prepare your meals and have everything ready to go in the fridge or freezer. Then, when you are leaving for work, it’s easy to grab something on your way out the door.

Tip #4: Consider Home Workouts

You don’t have to leave the house to be consistent about your fitness. Consider a combination of in-gym workouts and home fitness activities as well. For example, you might go to the gym three times a week and work out at home two times a week.

Home workouts can be as simple as following along with a fitness video you find online. Or do some HIIT bodyweight exercises. There are many apps to choose from, and you can also invest in small fitness accessories such as hand weights or a yoga mat.

Tip #5: Join an Exercise Class

It’s easier to stay committed to your fitness goals when other people are expecting you to show up at a certain time. How often do you break promises to yourself, but you are consistent about following through with friends and family?

Look for an exercise class before or after work and be proactive about making friends in the class. As you build this community, it gives you more motivation to follow through with your fitness goals because you enjoy the social aspect of your workout as well.

FAQ

Why is it important to balance work and fitness?

The truth is that a regular fitness routine can make you more effective at work. Exercise boosts endorphins and increases energy levels, which can have a positive impact on every other aspect of your life.

How can I fit workouts into my busy schedule?

No matter how busy you are, it’s always possible to find 20 or 30 minutes for a workout. Add fitness into your daily routine as part of your commute to work. Or, get up 30 minutes earlier for a quick exercise session before starting your day.

Where can I find more support to prioritize fitness?

If you are having a hard time staying motivated on your own, then look for friends or coworkers who can support your fitness journey. Some employers offer employee health programs. Or, you can find classes to attend at your local gym.

Looking for a Local Gym

One important element of building a consistent fitness routine is planning your activities in advance – including the time and location. Join a local gym so that you always have a place to go when it’s time to work out. We invite you to join Fitness Nation if you are ready to up-level your health and find a better balance between work, fitness, and life.