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We attempt to include fitness as much as possible into our lives but let’s face it, sometimes life can get in the way. Instead of seeing life as holding us back from our fitness routine, try getting creative and adapting your exercise and goals around what life throws your way. Giving up because you can’t seem to find enough time is not an option. Yes, we may have more challenges than others and yes it will not always be easy, but any goal worth achieving isn’t simple.

Kill Two Birds With One Stone

Have a favorite TV series right now? How about a favorite sports team that really needs you cheering and screaming encouragement through the television set? Well instead of forcing yourself to choose between watching TV (a desirable activity) and exercising (a less desirable activity), exercise while you watch. Comparing the two activities places a negative connotation to exercise and make you less likely to stay consistent with a routine. Every commercial break you can do sets of squats, lunges, ab exercises, push ups, etc. Sporting events are longer and have timeouts mixed into the game as well, thus providing you an opportunity to still enjoy a favorite pastime while burning some calories and toning up your body.

Walk at Lunch

Most of our jobs give us either a half hour to hour for a lunch break. While it is important not to rush eating your food, try taking about 10 minutes before your lunch break to take a walk. Especially if you have a job that may have been stressful or involve you sitting for longer periods of time during the morning. Taking a walk can help destress nerves to allow for a more enjoyable lunch and afternoon. If you have longer lunch periods, you can add additional exercises to help improve your fitness routine and bring you closer to reaching the goals you desire. Want to change it up even more? Locate the stairs and do a series of climbs up and down.

Extracurriculars

While setting aside a specific time for exercise is ideal, it may not be practical every day of our lives. Some of us may have kids, demanding jobs, pets or other responsibilities, so finding a way to incorporate our fitness routine into the other demands requires balance. If your kids are on sports teams or other activities, invest more time into them and treat that time as a workout. While at their practice, try walking around the field/court to stay active for example. You may want to invite others to join you and talk while you walk. For those of us with dogs, be involved with their exercise too. Instead of just placing them in the back yard or on a chain, you can take them for a walk or run. Your dogs will love it.

Finding a fun, engaging way to get some exercise on especially busy days takes resourcefulness. In the past you might not have been getting any exercise, but now you can help bridge the gaps of regular exercise days with creative ways!