How To Make Time For Exercise

An active and healthy lifestyle is something we should all aim for but it’s not always easy. I often get questions from Sweat members asking how to make time for exercise. 

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that quick fixes are NEVER the answer! The good news is there are lots of different things you can do to make exercise part of your lifestyle in the long term.

Check out some simple ways you can fit exercise into a busy schedule. 

How to make time to work out

Here are some of my top tips to make the time to work out and turn exercise into a lifestyle.

Commit to yourself

Making the commitment to add exercise into your life is the first step. To get there, you need a plan for when you’ll make it happen. 

Making the time to exercise often means you may need to give up on something else, even if it’s just time to catch up on your favourite TV shows. 

A good way to stay committed and still enjoy other things in life is to find a balance and make time to fit exercise into your day. 

Don’t stress about the time of day you work out, just focus on how you’ll feel when you’ve finished the workout. Don’t give yourself an opportunity to make excuses to skip your workout. Treat your workout time like an appointment you make with yourself and show up ready to tackle your workout! 

Exercise is an adaptive process. Once your body gets used to the workout routine, it will become easier and you will notice the health benefits when you work out regularly. 

If you do any of my programs in the Sweat app, an awesome feature is the weekly planner — you can use it to plan your workouts for the week ahead and set up notifications to remind you to start working out.

Work out with a friend

When it comes to fitness, working out with a friend can boost your motivation and help you stick to a routine. It can be a great social outlet, reducing stress while improving your health. Finding a workout buddy who has got your back can make a huge difference.

Working out with a friend or family member has so many benefits! You can push yourselves harder while becoming stronger and fitter together. A little friendly competition can be motivating too!

There are many ways you can exercise with a friend such as going for a run, joining a yoga class, tackling a tough HIIT workout or taking a fitness challenge together. You can even work out together via a video call!

Track your workouts

It feels satisfying when you can tick something off your to-do list, right? 

Keep tabs on how often you train and for how long — ticking each workout off is a great way to stay motivated. 

By tracking your activity and progress rather than physical results, you are less likely to feel frustrated and want to quit if you begin to plateau.

Tracking your progress is a great way to keep your spirits up and feel motivated and see how far you’ve come. Take a moment to look at what you’ve achieved rather than focusing on what you haven’t done.

Don’t forget to celebrate small wins along the way and be proud of your progress. 

If you're using the SWEAT app, you get a trophy for each activity that you complete, which is a great way to stay on track to reach YOUR goals! 

Make your workout enjoyable

It is SO important that you enjoy working out because that is what will keep you motivated and inspired to stick to your routine in the long term. 

Choosing a workout routine you enjoy will help you to commit to it. If you don’t enjoy running on the treadmill, find something else you prefer doing and have fun with it, make exercise something you can enjoy.

You can make your training fun by having a workout playlist and listening to your favourite tracks to motivate you. 

Focus on the benefits

A lot of fitness beginners may decide whether or not to exercise based on how they feel that day.  

If you’re feeling tired after a long day, you’ll probably make excuses for yourself. Remember, motivation alone won’t achieve your fitness goals, but making exercise into a habit can. Think about the long-term benefits of your workout, such as having more energy and being able to lift heavier weights. 

My High Intensity Zero Equipment program has Express workouts for busy days — you can complete these sessions in under 15 minutes, so you always have an option when you're feeling time-poor. A short workout is better than not moving at all and can help you keep to your routine, and continue your fitness progress. 

Soon you’ll come to associate working out with something that makes you feel good and it’ll be easier to make time for exercise!

Don’t quit

Exercise will only become a part of your life if you keep making time for it. Try to overcome the urge to quit, even when it gets tough or obstacles get in the way. 

Some weeks this may be easier than others but the important thing is not to give up! Connect with the Sweat Community to share tips for making fitness more enjoyable, be inspired and provide encouragement to other women towards a healthier lifestyle!

If you’ve had to take a break from exercise because you’ve been sick or injured, don't be too hard on yourself — try to ease back into your training and recognise that we all have setbacks from time to time. Fitness is a journey, not a destination!

Invest in yourself and make time for exercise

If you struggle to make exercise a part of your life, it’s okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself! 

Building new healthy habits can take time, but the benefits are definitely worth it. Remember why you started, and use that as your motivation to keep on going, even when you feel like giving up.

Make a new commitment each day to a healthier you!