Trying to find a balance between a job, whether at home or not, a social life, your hobbies and exercising is not easy. We all enjoy leisurely activities that are done for the simple pleasure – doing a yoga class on a Saturday morning, going for a bike ride on a Sunday afternoon. But then come Monday and all our hopes and dreams are thrown out the window. You wake up fairly early, go to work, maybe have a dinner with some friends and, by the time you get home, you have to prepare for the next day. But taking time to exercise, even if it’s just for half an hour, is highly important for your physical and mental health. Not only it helps you get into a better mood but you sleep better and feel less stressed. Here are 5 ways to workout during the week.
Get organized.
It’s important to prepare the day before. If you want to exercise tomorrow, and all your gear is laid out or your gym bag ready, it’s more likely you’ll actually go through with it.
Plan.
One thing that helps me focus and follow through is writing down on my agenda or setting an alarm. When I write down “go for a run”, it’s going to be a constant reminder throughout the day, and I’m more likely to get home, gear up and do some squats, insanity or go for a run. If you’re more of a tech person, you can always set an alarm for the time you get home.
Shake it up.
Don’t just stick to your normal routine – if you have one. Try out new classes, incentivize a friend to join you or look for activities that will get you into those dry-fit pants. A while back I started doing Soul Cycle with a friend, while maintaining my daily walks. During winter I went to yoga classes three times a week. The important thing is to find what keeps you motivated, whilst mixing up and not falling in a routine.
Don’t force it.
Forcing exercise is one of the worst things you can do. You’ll end up resenting the activity and associating negative thoughts. Know yourself and your moods. Some days of the month, you’ll find me finishing up insanity and going for a half an hour run. Others, I’ll just do a few jumping jacks, squats and abs while watching the news. Understand that not everyday is going to be a great one to workout, but maximize the ones that are.
The workout is supposed to fit you.
Not the other way around. Figure out which workout is best for you and make that time enjoyable and a part of a healthy lifestyle.
Do you have any tips and tricks to squeeze weekly workouts? I would love to know!