Making Time
There are many times when I use the “I don’t have enough time” excuse when it comes to getting a workout in. I have a 9-5 job and a family so it’s tough to get workout in. I have struggled struggle with time management and getting workouts in and sometimes I’m just flat out exhausted to even think about working out.
I had missed several workouts in a row and was starting to feel really guilty about it. I knew that I had to get back at it, but didn’t know how that was possible with the hours I was working as well as making sure I tending to my family. After getting really frustrated that I wasn’t working out, I sat down and created a schedule. The days of winging it were over. I needed to plan out my day-to-day activities and find the time to exercise and get healthy. This proved to be more difficult than I thought it would be.
I initially set out to create a schedule that could be used on an on-going basis, but that failed miserably. It seems that my family’s schedule is volatile and is never the same from week to week. After I learned that lesson, I mapped out schedule version 2. This was even more difficult than the previous attempt as I had to have my ducks in a row and know my work schedule, my wife’s work schedule and take my lil guy’s schedule into account.
On Sunday night’s, my wife and I discuss what our schedules are for the week and we game plan workout times. My wife works late a couple of days a week, so I need to make sure I workout in the morning or at lunch on those days. On the days she doesn’t work late, I workout during lunch or immediately after work. She’ll workout on the opposite schedule. When things go right, we both get a workout in and everyone is happy. However, things rarely follow the script. Life happens and things come up; we have to improvise and be creative to get it in. I have started putting a meeting on my calendar during lunch time so no one can book a meeting at that time so I can workout at lunch. This is a nice option and I am grateful that I have a gym close to work. There are times when too much crazy is happening at work and I’m not able to go during the time I scheduled. This is worst case scenario.
It’s not easy to find the time, but I make it a priority to make the time. Reminds of a quote by the legendary Jim Rohn: “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse”. I read this quote often as it’s a great reminder that fitness is a priority in my life and I need to make time to workout.
Do you have any tips or tricks for scheduling workouts for your busy life? I would love to hear ’em!
One Response to “Making Time”
I struggle with this too! I find it is best for my to workout in the mornings during the work week so I leave my bigger workouts for the weekend. I also try not to beat myself up over a missed workout. Sometimes it can’t be avoided.