Mastering the Art of Making Exercise a Lifelong Habit, Even in the Busiest of Times

The demands of life can often feel like a never-ending juggling act. Balancing work, family, social commitments, and personal time can leave little room for regular exercise. However, making time for physical activity is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. The key lies in transforming exercise from the thing that you occasionally do, into a lifelong habit.

Here's how to make training and exercising a habit, even when you're busy:

1. Prioritise and Set Clear Goals: Start by clarifying your fitness goals. Are you aiming for weight loss, increased strength, improved endurance, or just better overall health? Knowing what you're working towards can help you stay motivated. Break these goals into smaller, achievable milestones, making them less overwhelming and more attainable.

2. Schedule Your Workouts: Busy schedules often lead to missed workouts. Combat this by treating exercise appointments as non-negotiable commitments. Block out specific times for workouts on your calendar, just as you would for meetings or appointments. Consistency is key to forming a habit.

3. Embrace Short Workouts: You don't need hours to get a good workout in. Short workouts are excellent options that can be completed in as little as 15-20 minutes. These routines offer maximum benefits in minimal time, making them ideal for busy individuals. Try a EMOM (Every Minute on The Minute workout)

4. Incorporate Exercise into Daily Activities: Make exercise a seamless part of your day by integrating it into your routine. Walk or bike to work, take the stairs instead of the lifts, or do a few minutes of stretching during your lunch break. These small efforts add up and contribute to your overall fitness.

5. Find Activities You Enjoy: Not all exercise needs to take place in a gym. Find physical activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it's dancing, hiking, playing a sport, or even gardening. When exercise is fun, you're more likely to stick with it. Daily waking is also very underrated!

6. Use Technology to Your Advantage: There are countless fitness apps and online resources that offer guided workouts, tracking tools, and motivation. These can help you stay on track and provide flexibility for your busy schedule. If you have a smartwatch like a Garmin or Apple - there are tons of useful things these watches can do!

7. Create a Support System: Share your fitness goals with friends, family, or colleagues who can offer encouragement and hold you accountable. Consider joining fitness classes or groups to make exercising a social activity. Even better…GET A COACH!

8. Make it Non-Negotiable: Treat exercise as an essential part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth or eating meals. When it becomes a non-negotiable habit, you're less likely to skip it.

9. Prepare Ahead of Time: Lay out your workout clothes the night before or pack your gym bag in advance. When everything is ready to go, you eliminate potential excuses for skipping your session.

10. Be Kind to Yourself: There will be days when unexpected commitments arise, and you can't stick to your planned routine. Don't let these instances discourage you. Acknowledge that life happens, but make a conscious effort to get back on track the next day.

11. Celebrate Your Progress: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate your fitness achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Positive reinforcement can reinforce your commitment to the habit.

12. Continuously Adapt: As your life evolves, so will your schedule and priorities. Be open to adjusting your workout routine to accommodate changing circumstances while keeping exercise a constant presence in your life.

Improved health and fitness is a never ending destination. Nurturing your body through consistent exercise is an investment in your long-term health and happiness. By following these strategies and making exercise a non-negotiable part of your routine, you can turn it into a lifelong habit that contributes to your overall well-being. Remember, it's not about finding time, but about making time for what truly matters. Your body will thank you for it.