Strategies to be more active, despite your busy life

I just went to the gym. It was the first time I’ve been there in 4 weeks.  I really, really didn’t want to go.

It had been so long that I didn’t even remember my combination for my lock!

(Always figure that out before you go!)

So, why did I go?  Because my brain felt foggy.  Also because my husband is supportive of gym time, and is sometimes willing to take the kids grocery shopping while I work out.  Most of all I went because I haven’t been very active this week and I know that –

my brain and thinking feels clearer, I have more energy and I feel more able to tackle life when I’ve gotten in a workout.

Sometimes it can be hard to remember some of those benefits when we’re just stuck in, ‘I don’t feel like it’ mode.  Plus, in our overly busy lives, it can be so hard to find time to be active. I do believe though, that with certain strategies, we can be set up for success. Here are some ideas for you.

Feel free to skip ahead to the sections that apply to you and will most benefit you!

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For someone who goes to the gym:

Identify any roadblocks ahead of time and remove as many as you can.  Here are some that I’ve thought of.  You may wish to think about any others.

• Have your bag packed and ready to go all the time with the things you need.
• Bring entertainment with you!  Can you watch netflix or amazon on a tablet or on your phone while you’re on the treadmill?  Can you listen to a podcast or audio book while you lift weights?  Have those things as an option – it makes working out so much more fun!
  • With this – charge your tablet and your phone, bring headphones, and pre-download a few podcasts.  Netflix will also let you pre-download shows in case the gym wifi isn’t working on a given day.  Have options and back up options!
• With your kids all day and can’t get to the gym?  Can you go to a gym that offers childcare?  That would mean a break in the day for you from watching them while you get in your workout.  Two birds – one stone – you are so efficient!
• This one is a reminder for me – have your lock combination written down somewhere so you can always verify what it is.

For someone who likes to be active outdoors:

• Plan ahead for new routes you can try for a walk or a run.
• Put the kids in a stroller and bring them along.  Stop at a park at your halfway mark for them to get in some fun playtime as well.
• Pop in your earbuds and listen to a fun podcast or audio book while you’re being active.
• Make sure to dress for the weather.
• An awesome benefit of being active outside is that you get exposure to natural light and its mood boosting effects too – again – two birds, one stone – you are so efficient!

On those bad weather days or when you need to be in the house:

• Remember that even 5 minutes is worth it!  Try to fit in little periods of activity.
  • Do squats while you’re cooking lunch.
  • Set a timer for 2 minutes and walk up and down the stairs as many times as you can before the timer beeps.
  • Do 10 sit ups during nap time.
  • Hold a plank pose for as long as you can before you dive into those dishes.

For those who are in the office all day:

• Each time you go to the bathroom, can you go to a different floor of your building?
• Take an extra lap around the building 2 or 3 times a day if you have a few minutes or need an energy recharge.
• Ask HR about a standing desk.
• Head outside for a walk!
• Try walking meetings.  If your boss asks, say you’re more productive when you’ve gotten in some activity.

Overall it is more about finding little pockets of time to be active than always thinking you need a full blown workout for it to matter.  Every little bit counts!

More resources:

• Stay motivated to work out by tracking your steps and activity level with a fitbit.  Here’s my favorite one.
• For outdoor workouts, a belt like this can hold your phone and keys – hands free!

What are your favorite strategies for fitting in activity?  Join us in our Facebook group to keep the discussion going!

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