A common excuse that we hear in the Fitness Industry is that “I don’t have enough time to stay fit”. To combat that, here’s some tips for people who may be working full time, have family commitments, or other stresses of day-to-day life which consume a lot of our time. The physical activity guidelines suggest 30 minutes of physical activity per day, for at least five days per week. The below tips and tricks can be incorporated into busy schedules to not only fit in some extra physical activity, but also to increase motivation and facilitate the continuation of a fitness program.

Make an appointment with an exercise professional.

Being able to fit exercise into your schedule is about making a commitment and sticking to it. Think of it like a dental check-up, doctors appointment, or parent-teacher interview. You can always find the time to arrange these meetings when required. So why not book in to see a personal trainer or fitness instructor and have them write you a program or help point you in the right direction. If you think of it as an appointment, you’ll find it easier to fit into your busy schedule.

Invite a friend who also wants to stay fit

Has it been a while since you’ve seen one of your close friends because you’ve been too busy? Why not invite them for a social catch up and make a workout out of it. It doesn’t have to be boring or hard, you could go for a hike, a round of golf, or sign up for a dance class together. Friends are less likely to bail on each other, which is why it’s also a good idea to invite them along, as you will hold yourself accountable.

Use the stairs

Making small choices that seem insignificant but can make a huge difference to your overall health and wellbeing. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from the office, take a walk while you’re on the phone, or take the dog for a walk in the park. The list to include physical activity into your day is endless.

Get your family involved

A great idea used by many running enthusiasts with young kids is to invest in a jogging stroller and spend some quality time with them by taking them to a parkrun on a Saturday morning. It’s a great way to get the whole family outdoors and active with the added motivation of hundreds of other people all running the same route.