Finding the time to stay fit
Lack of time is a common reason lots of people cite for falling off the fitness wagon. But it’s not time that’s the issue. It’s just making it a priority that is.
For me, being active on a daily basis is a lifestyle choice and a firmly set habit. I also have fitness goals I’m working towards that are on my non-negotiable bucket list. But I know for many, we still need a little help to get over that first hurdle. We know we need to find time, but in amongst the daily grind it falls to the wayside.
So when I caught up with a few of my closest friends last week, I took note of how we had prioritized the time to get together. We all lead busy lives, but two new babies and an interstate visit was enough of a drawcard to get us together. It was obvious we had a very clear “why” it was a priority. This is important and something I’ve posted about before in how to make exercise a regular thing.
And it got me thinking. If we treat exercise like catching up with an old friend – if there is no other catalyst – it might be the mind shift that puts it higher on the priority list.
With that in mind, here are my five tips on finding the time to hang out with your good friend, exercise.
- Make it an activity you like to do. Social tennis? A gym sweat session? Weights? This is why I write my fitness reviews – to help you find what works for you! The catch-up with the girls was a no-brainer. We were all keen for high tea at a friend’s place down the coast with hinterland views.
- Put the date and time in the diary and circle in red. It’s as simple as that. You’ve planned for it amongst your other competing priorities. With my friends, we juggled the dates around school holidays and our own calendars and committed to a time.
- Invite others along. Studies have shown that exercising with friends can decrease fatigue and increase energy levels. It’s always more fun with friends. Especially if you’ve got history together. My friends and I go back to high school days.
- Get yourself sorted. Whether it’s packing a gym bag to take to work, or dividing up family responsibilities, do what you need to do to honor the time you’ve set aside. For us girls, it was deciding who was bringing or making what for the high tea.
- Get there early. This gives you time to talk to an instructor/trainer if it’s been awhile, or get set up and familiar with the environment again. For a catch-up with old friends, whoever arrives first often gets the first bit of goss and the best car parking spot!
Remember, where there’s a will, there’s always a way. If you’ve got a tip on how to prioritise time for exercise, please share in the comments box below.
Until next time,
Maryanne K
