It comes as no surprise that a new study from Asics revealed that women feel 52% happier when they exercise regularly, as well as 48% more confident, 67% less stressed and 80% less frustrated – so working out is a no brainer, right?
Sadly not, as the same study showed that 80% of women say that having no time is their biggest barrier to exercise.
Given that we know making time to exercise makes us happier, HELLO! spoke to Peloton instructor and training specialist Ben Alldis for his advice on fitting exercise into a jampacked schedule- without your workout feeling like just another thing to add to our ever-expanding to-do list.
Read on for his expert advice…
1. Prioritise your time
Treat exercise as a non-negotiable appointment in your daily calendar. Set aside a specific time slot every day to move your body, whether it's early morning, during lunch break, or in the evening and commit to it like any other important task.
2. Start small and be consistent
Begin with manageable exercise routines that you can easily fit into your day. Consistency is key, so aim for shorter workouts initially, such as 20-30 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as you build the habit.
© Getty3. Make it enjoyable
Choose activities you genuinely enjoy to make exercise more appealing. Whether it's cycling, strength training, dancing, swimming, hiking, or playing a sport, finding something you love will make it easier to stick with it and look forward to your workouts.
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4. Incorporate physical activity throughout the day
Look for opportunities to move more throughout your day. Take the stairs instead of the lift, go for short walks during breaks or try standing up and stretching regularly if you have a sedentary job. These small bursts of activity can add up and make a difference.
© Getty5. Find a friend
Partner up with a friend, family member, colleague or group who shares your fitness goals. Having someone to hold you accountable and exercise with can provide motivation and make the experience more enjoyable.
© Getty6. Be flexible and adaptable
Accept that some days, unexpected events or time constraints might disrupt your planned exercise routine. Instead of skipping it entirely, be flexible and find alternative ways to stay active, such as doing a quick workout at home or going for a short walk.
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7. Set realistic goals
Set achievable and realistic exercise goals. Trying to do too much too soon can lead to burnout or disappointment. Start with small milestones, celebrate your achievements, and gradually challenge yourself to progress further.
8. Make use of technology and apps for guidance
Fitness platforms or apps such as Peloton can help you stay motivated and organised. Using them to track your progress, find new workouts, new instructors or receive reminders and motivation will be a massive help to keeping you motivated.
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9 Combine exercise with other activities
Multitask by combining exercise with other activities you enjoy or need to do. For example, listen to audiobooks, podcasts or your favourite music while walking or running, watch your favourite TV show while on a stationary bike or treadmill or join a social sports league for both fun and fitness.
© Getty10. Take care of yourself
Prioritise self-care by ensuring you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and stay hydrated. When you take care of your overall wellbeing, you'll have more energy and motivation to fit exercise into your day.
Visit HELLO!'s Keep Moving hub for more inspiring fitness content
