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How to Fit Exercise into a Busy Schedule


Yes, Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 was a true, iconic tale of the day-to-day tasks we have to deal with when we’re rising to the top. What it doesn’t cover, however, is how we’re supposed to fit exercise into these busy days.

There’s the early morning lunch making, the getting ready, the actual work itself, the dinnertime madness, the house cleaning – and if you have kids, double that. So, when and where in the madness of the 9 to 5 are you supposed to fit in a great, full workout that will reduce your stress levels, give you more energy, and help you live longer?

Dolly? Cher? Anybody?

Well, as those ladies are unavailable, the team at Fitness World is here to give you helpful tips for fitting exercise into your busy schedule (we promise, it can be done!) We’ll help you find your why and give you plenty of options for incorporating exercise into a busy schedule.

How to Fit Exercise into a Busy Schedule

Before learning how to fit exercise into a busy schedule, we want to remind you why it’s so important. Even just 20-minutes of exercise per day can help reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and strengthen vital organs. We know that on busy days, it’s hard enough to get up and go to work, but to add the extra time it takes to workout, can feel impossible.

It’s important to remember your ‘why’ when creating a workout plan – no matter how big or small. This can give you the push you might need when the motivation just isn’t there.

Once you have your why, you can easily find times throughout your day to add in short, efficient workouts that will benefit both your mind and body.

Here are our favourite ways to fit exercise into a busy schedule. 

Wake Up an Extra 20-Minutes Earlier

If you find that you don’t have time anywhere else in your day for a workout, you might want to try waking up about 20-minutes earlier than you normally do. This will give you a little extra time in your day to do an online workout class, a spin class, or a run.

Remember, Fitness World members get access to FW Online with over 700+ 24/7 on-demand fitness classes to choose from! It’s a great way to get in a quick 20-minute workout before work.

Change Your Commute

If you have the ability to commute to work via a bike or walking, do it! It might be hard the first couple times, but you’ll get in a great workout without even thinking about it. If you work from home, you can always fake a commute by walking 20-minutes before work and 20-minutes after work.

Split Your Lunch Break in Half

If you’re a traditional 9 to 5er with an hour-long lunch break, opt to cut it in half and get in a 30-minute walk. This is great, not only for the cardio benefits, but also for getting fresh air and separating yourself from work.

Exercise While You Watch TV

Another great way to get in exercise is while you watch TV! Depending on the length of your favourite TV show, that’s the perfect amount of time to get in a great at-home workout (or better yet, watch your favourite TV show while on the treadmill at the gym!)

FW Tip! Pick one show to only watch at the gym. This will give you extra motivation to come in if you know you get to exercise to your favourite show.

Go to Bed 20-Minutes Later

Much like our first tip, if you can’t seem to find any space within your current day to get in a workout, you might want to try adding one with a late-night workout. Fair warning, late night workouts may make you less tired before bed, but something is always better than nothing!

If you typically go to sleep at 9:30 pm, carve out 15-20 minutes at 9 pm to do some yoga or a weights workout. We promise, that extra time spent working on your fitness will be well worth it!

Create a Sustainable Workout Schedule at Fitness World

If even after our advice, you still can’t seem to find time during the day, it might be time to book a session with a personal trainer who can give you a customized plan designed for your day! Head into Fitness World today and let us help you get to where you want to be.

Join today or sign up for a FREE 3-day pass!