Time Poor? 5 Tips to Fit In Your Daily Workout

If you've caught yourself saying "I'm too busy. I have no time to workout." - you are not alone.

Our busy schedules don't always allow us to drop into a much-needed gym, but that's no excuse to make your personal wellness any less of a priority.

Here are 5 common types of people we see and ways to get in at least 20 minutes of movement.

Time to put aside that guilt, blame, frustration and make those little tweaks to your busy schedules!

1. The Early Bird

Bankers. Lawyers. Startup entrepreneurs... You've got things to do, places to be and people to see. Your schedule is packed from dawn to dusk, and back to back meetings & appointments is the new normal for you. If your task list seems stressful, never-ending and you find yourself often missing workouts due to time constraints, it is time to take control and make time for yourself.

Set your alarm and get up a little earlier in the mornings. There's something magical about being up before everyone else and feeling like you've got more hours in a day. Most studios offer classes as early as 6am or 7am - a convenient way to squeeze in that 45-60 minute me-time that you deserve before kicking off your day. That endorphin surge in the AM will boost your alertness, productivity and energy throughout the day. Where possible, wind down early for your essential beauty sleep at night.

2. Lunchtime Crunchtime

Whether you're working remotely or desk-bound in the office, a helpful way to squeeze in that sweat session is during your breaks. Should you have flexible lunch or work hours, use that window of time to hit up a midday class that'll boost your metabolism and alertness while also preventing you from feeling sluggish throughout the day. Throw on your shoes and hit up an outdoor run.

3. (Sweat) Buddy Up

Two is always better than one. Grab a friend, or connect with a fellow driven workout buddy online.

If you are finding it difficult to stay committed towards your fitness goals, pairing up with a buddy might just do the trick, and make that task a whole lot easier. Hold each other accountable to showing up and crushing your workouts, and you'll be surprised at how much progress you both make in the long run, along with how your friendship would evolve too.

4. Motivation Nation

Need that extra push to get back on the fitness bandwagon? Plan ahead. Book a class in advance for the week ahead and make yourself accountable to show up for them. With most studios having cancellation policies of several hours, use your booking and money spent as a commitment to yourself. That you will show up and get it done no matter how you're feeling that day. No excuses to skip. No regrets.

5. Out of Office

Rather than thinking of unwinding over a drink and taking it easy after your work day, use the end of the day as a beginning of your fitness regime. Shift that dinner date to a workout date.

Or if you prefer working out in a group studio setting rather than individually, use this as a motivator for you to get through your day, with your workout at the end being your reward after a long day!

Associate your workout and training as a privilege. Think of the meaningful connections and benefits to your mind, body & well-being, rather than a task that needs to be checked off. This is the first step to making fitness a part of your lifestyle, instead of it being a chore.

Now you've got the tricks, time to squeeze in the workout and hit those goals.

Photo credits: Daphne Z.

Article contributed by CruCycle Pack Leader and BrocnBells.com SweatExpert - Jolyn Yeo. First appeared on The Busy Woman Project.