I don't know about you, but I'm feeling the stress of the holidays, of deadlines with work and trying to hold onto joy. Even with a busy schedule, I find that skipping my workouts isn't an option. Why? Well, they give me more energy (think the Energizer Bunny that just keeps going) they help me de-stress and burn those extra holiday calories (bonus). So, how do I fit my workouts in even during the busy holidays? Try out my tired and true methods:
1) Before your week begins, whatever day that is, schedule your workouts. What does that look like? Sit down with your calendar and see what days and times you can fit it in. That way you make up your mind ahead of time and you can plan accordingly. For instance, Monday I know I have to get up by 4:30 am to fit my workout in, which means no late night tv shows on Sunday night or I won't be getting up early. Then, the night before, I make sure I have my clothes and shoes ready whether that's packed in a bag to go to the gym or waiting at the bottom of the bed for me to throw on and go for a run.
2) Treat your scheduled workouts like important appointments that can't be moved around. Now I understand if you have to change it every once in a while, but if you are constantly changing or skipping workouts, this can be your biggest key to getting them in. Treat them as a doctor's appointment that you will have to pay for if you skip. If you absolutely can't do it at that time because of a true emergency, then be sure to immediately reschedule it for a different time and day so you still get in the number of workouts you planned for that week. For instance, if your goal is to workout 3 times for 30 minutes, the day may change, but as long as you get 3 workouts complete in the next 7 days, you reach your goal (score!).
3) Get creative. Even if you can't workout the way you typically like to, think about ways to get creative, such as walk the stairs for 5-10 minutes at work, do 1 min of exercise each hour such as jumping jacks, squats, butt kickers, or turn some music on and dance around with your kids, throw some kicks in there and really get your heart rate up. Exercise doesn't have to be routine or happen only at a gym, it can happen anywhere and look different every day.
4) Don't skip your workout even if you have to reduce the amount of time you workout. Sometimes, all I have is 10-15 minutes in the morning. So what do I do? I do a quick energizing workout that gets my heart rate up and leaves me breathless in just those few minutes. Check out www.fitnessblender.com for free videos of all different lengths and difficulties.
Share with us, what have you found to help you get your workouts in?