Who isn’t busy these days? Between your 9-5 job and family obligations, finding time can be tough. Often, exercise is the first thing to get dropped – but that’s a mistake! This post offers some great tips for quick exercises you can do even when you’re short on time because you need to take care of yourself!
In our fast-paced lifestyle, exercise often falls off the to-do list. But exercise has so many health benefits that it’s worth making it a priority. Let’s discuss why you should fit exercise into your daily routine and share some tips to help you squeeze in a workout, even when you’re super busy.
We all know exercise is beneficial and can actually save you time throughout the day, but fitting it in can still be challenging. Here are some tips to help you integrate a workout into your busy schedule:
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is becoming very popular – and for good reason! It involves short bursts of intense exercise, like sprints, followed by a short recovery period. For example, you might sprint for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, then walk for twice that time. Alternate for 20 minutes, and you’ve got an intense workout in a small amount of time. It’s not easy, but the benefits, like a faster metabolism and prolonged calorie burning, are fantastic!
Pressed for time? Try a 7-minute workout. There are plenty of free apps to guide you through a quick, full-body workout in just seven minutes.
Incorporating small changes into your day can make a big difference too. Get off the bus a stop early, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and walk to the shops instead of driving. These small, incidental exercises add up and can significantly impact your health. Walking, for example, can strengthen bones, improve balance, build muscle strength and endurance, help you lose fat, and reduce stress. Use a pedometer to track your steps and aim for 12,000 steps a day to see gradual body transformation.
If your job involves a lot of sitting, combine meetings with a walk. Walking meetings reduce distractions and let you focus on the discussion while getting exercise. Even simple actions like doing calf raises while waiting for the kettle to boil, squats while hanging laundry, or push-ups against the kitchen bench can add up over time.
Household chores can also double as a workout. Increase the intensity a bit when vacuuming or mowing the lawn, and you’ll be burning extra calories in no time.
Lastly, make exercise a non-negotiable part of your day. Schedule it like a meeting and block it out on your calendar. Some of the most successful people prioritize daily exercise, despite their busy schedules. Waking up an hour earlier a few times a week could also provide that extra time you need for a workout.
Hopefully, these quick exercise tips have sparked some ideas on how to fit workouts into your day. Do you have any questions or quick exercise routines that work for you? Share your tips in the comments!
