We all know how important regular exercise is for our health and well-being and yet over 80% of individuals do not get the recommended amount of physical activity which is 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.  Most of us have the same excuse “ I don’t have time” or “I’m too busy” In today’s society we have so many things competing to take our time leaving us with little or not time for ourselves. Yes it takes effort to carve out time for exercise, but it is not impossible.

1. USE YOUR WAY TO WORK AS A MEANS OF EXERCISING

My husband would always complain to me that he did not have time to fit cardio into his busy schedule. As we walked by his bike that was collecting dust, I suggested that he ride his bike to work everyday if the weather was good. This way he would get a good hour of cardio everyday. Embrace your commute to work by using your bike or roller to get your physical activity in.

2. KEEP YOUR WORKOUT CLOTHES HANDY AT ALL TIMES

Always keep a pair of running shoes and some clothes in your car, that way where you are you can get a quick run or workout in. You never know where you may end up running and even if its just 20-30 minutes you can turn it into a fun fitness adventure.

3.RUN YOUR ERRANDS

After giving birth to my daughter, I was determined to lose my belly and pregnancy fat by any means necessary. I decided to walk or to jog to all of my appointments. I would put on my running shoes and speed walk while pushing my daughter in the buggy to most of my appointments in the city. It was a great way for me to get my cardio in.

4. SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUTS LIKE YOU SCHEDULE YOUR MEETINGS

Make time for exercise by putting your workouts on your calendar and scheduling your day around them.

5. SWEAT WHILE YOUR KIDS ARE SWEATING

I would workout while my daughter had volleyball practice. I would put on my gym clothes, drop her off to her training and squeeze my workout in while she worked out.

6. GET UP EVEN EARLIER

Wake up before the kids get up and get your work out in at home or outside while everyone is still sleeping. It’s a great feeling knowing that you start your day off with a good workout. It gives you motivation and strength to face the rest of the day.

7. JOIN THE MOST CONVENIENT GYM POSSIBLE

If you join a gym that is close to your job or home, it is more likely that you will go when it is not out of the way. Its also great when it is rainy or cold outside and you don’t have a ton of time, you could stop by the gym on your way home after work.

8. MAKE IT A DATE

My husband and I workout together 4 times a week, we use that time as quality time together. If you have a husband or partner use the time to exercise together as a way of spending time together or a date.

9. MASTER YOUR MINDSET

Think of working out as something that you like to do, a part of your lifestyle. Never think of it as something you have to do, but instead as something you want to do.