Are you struggling to find time to fit in your fitness goals? You're not alone. Most people find it difficult to balance their work, family and fitness goals. But with a little bit of organization and planning, you can achieve your fitness goals without sacrificing too much time.
Here are some tips for managing your time so that you can stay on track with your fitness goals.
1. Have a goal
Having a goal can help you manage your time while achieving your fitness goals. It can also help to have someone to help you stay on track. There are many ways to find support, including online forums, social media groups or signing up for a personal training program.
When it comes to working out, one size does not fit all. What works for your friend or neighbor might not be the best routine for you. It's important to find an activity that you enjoy and that fits your lifestyle. If you're just starting out, it's OK to start slow. You don't have to go to the gym seven days a week or run a marathon right away. Just set some realistic goals and work your way up.
2. Create a timeline
When you set out to improve your fitness, creating a timeline can help you stay on track and achieve your goals. By plotting out when you will workout and what kinds of activities you will do, you can make sure that you are making the most of your time. If you want to lose weight, for example, you might schedule three days a week for cardio workouts and two days a week for strength training. Or, if you are training for a race, you might map out a schedule that includes running, cross-training, and rest days.
Creating a timeline can also help you stay accountable to yourself. When you have specific workout dates and times written down, you are more likely to stick to your plan. And, if you share your timeline with a friend or family member, they can help hold you accountable as well.
So, if you are looking to improve your fitness, creating a timeline is a great way to get started. By mapping out your workouts and staying accountable, you can make the most of the time you have.
3. Prepare your food in advance
If you're anything like most people, you're always looking for ways to save time while still getting healthy meals on the table. One of the best ways to do this is by meal prepping.
Meal prepping simply means cooking and/or assembling your meals in advance. This can be done a few days at a time or even a week in advance.
There are a few key benefits to meal prepping:
It saves you time throughout the week.
It helps you stick to your healthy eating goals.
It keeps you from making unhealthy impulse choices when you're hungry.
If you're new to meal prepping, we recommend starting small. Maybe choose one or two meals that you can prepare in advance. Once you get the hang of it, you can start prepping more meals.
4. Take advantage of your “down” time
We all have those moments where we find ourselves with some free time and not quite sure what to do with it. Maybe you're stuck in a waiting room or on a long layover at the airport. Or maybe you just have a few minutes between meetings.
Whatever the case may be, don't just sit there idly! These are opportunities to get in a quick workout and move closer to your fitness goals.
Here are a few exercises you can do almost anywhere:
Squats - Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower yourself down as if you were going to sit in a chair. Make sure to keep your knees behind your toes and your chest up. Once your thighs are parallel to the ground, push back up to the starting position.
Push-ups - Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line from head to toe. Lower yourself down until your chest is just above the ground and then push back up to the starting position.
Lunges - Start with your feet together and take a large step forward with one leg. Lower yourself down until both knees are at 90-degree angles and then push back up to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg.
Crunches - Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and gently pull your head and shoulders off the ground. Hold for a second and then slowly lower back down.
So, if you're looking to finally achieve your fitness goals this year, try out some of these time management tips to help you stay on track while you're away from your Freehold gym. And remember, it's important to be patient and take things one step at a time. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are great physiques!