I hope you had a fantastic weekend!! Do I dare say happy Monday? The weekend is over and now back to work and reality. Working and getting back to reality gets me thinking about exercise and how hard it is to fit it into our busy schedules. I would like to help with that by giving you some ideas on how to plan exercise into your day.
Exercise is my drug, I need it every single day. I hit the gym and lift weights 5 times a week, I run 4-5 days a week, and I walk every single day. Exercise clears my mind and allows me to focus. It is what a lot of people call my zen time or my “me” time.
How am I able to fit this in every day? Well, simply I put it on the top of my list. Well, it’s not at the very top, coffee is at the very tip-top of all of my list. I don’t care what list it is, coffee is on it! All kidding aside, making exercise a top priority is why I am able to do it every day. Let me give you 5 examples of how you can plan more exercise into your day.
If you are not a person that exercises at all making baby steps are all it takes. Now that Spring is upon us it is easier to take walks outside in the evening after dinner.
You could schedule a 15 or 30-minute walk around the neighborhood and that would be so great for your mind and body. Get the whole family involved. Not only is it good for you, it’s good for the kids to get moving and run off some that extra energy they have built up before it’s time for bed.
If you are a morning person. Try hitting the gym before work. Start out by scheduling an hour of gym time. The great thing about gyms is, they are usually equipped with showers, blow dryers, and big mirrors so you can get ready for work after your workout.
Pack some clothes before work and throw it into the car. After you’re done with work head to the gym and release all of your frustrations out on the equipment. My husband and I meet at the gym after work on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays. We spend about 2 hours there doing cardio and weights. This is so great because it is something we are doing together. We don’t consider this date night by any means but it is something we do together.
If you want to make working out a priority the having a buddy system will help. You are more likely to head to the gym when you’re meeting someone there. You don’t want to let your workout buddy down.
Set Up A Workout Schedule
Yes, I cannot stress this one enough. If you have a schedule then you are setting yourself up for success. I have a rotating schedule for weights.
Depending on the time of year I will have a running schedule (I sign up for a few races a year, so my training is off and on). If you are interested in weight training, Bodybuilding.com is a fantastic website full of exercises and training plans.
Also, I have put together a little workout planner for your too. You know how much I love to plan, I thought I would share my workout planner with you. It is a blank planner but this is what I use to as my daily workout schedule.
I keep track of the food I eat, how much water I drink, how much cardio I do, and my weights. I like to keep track each of these to see my progress from week to week.
There you have it, my tips on how to plan exercise into your day. Are you ready to get out there? Do you put exercise at the top of your list? I would love to hear your thoughts below! Thank you so much!!
Karin Rambo says
May 16, 2016 at 2:52 pmIt’s taken me a little while to figure this out after having a baby. I no longer have the time to do a ton of exercise, but I do make it a point to get out and walk my daughter and dog every single day. It’s great for all three of us!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:24 amOh yes it sure is. Any little thing sure does help. Thanks.
Tee says
May 16, 2016 at 3:20 pmEver since I’ve got pregnant, any form of exercise has taken a back seat. It is only now that I’ve started doing a bit of stretching which I’m hoping to end in full yoga/gym routine very soon. But I do find it difficult to make time for it considering I work also and by the time I finish I’m so exhausted I just want to sleep. I hope it gets better though.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:25 amI bet yoga would be amazing. Life can so get in the way. Take sleep though, you are so going to need it!! Good luck.
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
May 16, 2016 at 4:55 pmThis is such a great resource for those trying to make fitness a priority! I love working out in the morning. It’s tough to get moving, but then it’s DONE for the day!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:25 amYes, for sure! I love getting that extra boost of energy to make my day a little more productive. Thanks.
Dia Darling says
May 16, 2016 at 5:18 pmSorry Jenn, love you but Happy Monday is not a thing lol jk I have been really trying to move more. One of the best ways for me to get in more exercise (and steps for my fitness tracker) is to go walking at lunch. Around the building, around Target (if the Texas sun is too crazy) just where ever.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:29 amLOL, okay maybe not but I was going for wishful thinking.
That is so perfect! I use to live there and I so know what you mean. It can be hard to get a walk in at all. Sometimes you just have to be creative on getting your steps in…I hope your summer isn’t to unpleasant.
Brittany says
May 16, 2016 at 5:25 pmThis is all so true! We have to find the time!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:29 amThanks.
Krysta Lynn says
May 16, 2016 at 9:52 pmHaving a workout buddy is so helpful! Being accountable to somebody else makes a huge difference, and having somebody going through the same thing as you are helps too!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:30 amYes, so true! Thank you so much.
J Young says
May 17, 2016 at 4:04 amGreat tips, I so agree with going after work. I used to go on my way home from school (or use the great facilities actually at the school) because I was already in the car, which was always half the battle for me, lol.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:31 amOh my goodness YES! You’re so right, getting out of the house and into the car really is. Thank you so much.
Elizabeth says
May 17, 2016 at 10:30 amThanks for this great motivation. I find that I’m motivated by social stuff so finding a buddy and walking with them is a great way to sneak my exercise in! #BloggingTribe
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:32 amYes, I know that is a huge one for me. Thank you so much.
ashley says
May 17, 2016 at 12:02 pmI’m totally a morning person and find morning workouts to be the best way to start my day.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:32 amAwesome!! Thank you so much.
Jillian Pedersen says
May 17, 2016 at 3:15 pmI so needed this! Thank you for sharing. I often feel like I’m far too busy to exercise. This is so helpful.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:32 amI’m so glad. Good luck. Thank you so much.
Jenna says
May 17, 2016 at 3:16 pmGreat tips. I find a workout buddy is so helpful. For me, it’s my husband. We keep each other on track.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:33 amYes, it really does help! Thank you.
Create Mindfully says
May 17, 2016 at 3:47 pmI have to workout at least 4-5 times a week. It helps me to de-stress. I love to listen to motivational speakers when I go for a walk.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:34 amOh, I bet that really helps! Thanks for the tip, I will have to try that!! Thank you.
candy says
May 17, 2016 at 4:27 pmWalking after dinner is my preferred time. Also give me time with my husband.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:34 amThat is so great!
Jen says
May 17, 2016 at 4:49 pmOh man, this is something I need to do. Exercise is always on the to-do list but usually gets bumped in favor of things like "shower" or "sleep." Making time for it shouldn’t be so hard, though. Thanks for the suggestions…here’s hoping I can make it a habit that sticks!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:34 amGood luck! I hope you are able to find some time!!
Clare Speer says
May 17, 2016 at 6:22 pmThanks for the much needed motivation!!! I find if I don’t go to the gym early morning I don’t go at all… I have a long way to go – like you said take tiny steps- that’s me!!!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:35 amAwesome! Good luck. Thank you so much.
Sara says
May 17, 2016 at 7:15 pmI’ve been trying to make it a part of my routine. It’s tough, but I’m making progress 15-minutes at a time.
When I worked outside of the home, I used to wake 2-hours early to hit the gym and then I walked during my lunch hour. Now – it’s a chore to get 15-minutes in, but I’m working at it.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:36 amThat’s fantastic! Anything helps to get the habit forming. I hear ya. I use to workout so much more then I do now. I feel like I can’t leave my office because I have so much work to do. Good luck!! Thanks.
Nila says
May 17, 2016 at 9:29 pmInvolving my husband has been the best way so far. We workout as soon as he is home, then make dinner (I’m famished by then).
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:38 amAwesome! I think that has become my favorite thing about working out, having my hubby go with. You can really push and encourage each other. Thank you so much.
Chelsea says
May 18, 2016 at 12:35 amI think I just need to find a work out buddy. It’s so hard to stay motivated when you don’t have anyone to keep you accountable. Great post!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 18, 2016 at 2:38 amSo true! Good luck and thank you so much!!
Kerry says
May 18, 2016 at 5:24 amI need to implement some sort of workout plan. I haven’t really worked out since the week I found out I was pregnant. My daughter is 15 months!! I do do a lot of walking but it’s not enough. Thanks for the tips.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 10:56 pmOf course. Everyone starts somewhere and you are walking so your body is getting some sort of exercise. That is really good. You should make sure to celebrate the victories. Having a small one at home can be so hard to find some time. Good luck to you and keep on walking!! xoxo
Rebecca Hicks says
May 18, 2016 at 10:45 amGreat tips! I love working out with my husband (we go running together all the time), and I’ve found that my favorite time to get a workout in is first thing in the morning, because it wakes me up and I feel great the rest of the day.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 10:57 pmThat is so awesome!! I think working out together as a couple really is an awesome thing. Having a running buddy can make those long runs manageable. Thank you so much.
Kassi says
May 18, 2016 at 2:52 pmI know that if I have a friend to go with and hold me accountable I am way better about going!! Thanks for the tips!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 10:57 pmOf course! Yes, buddy sure do help. Thank you!!
Erica says
May 18, 2016 at 2:59 pmIt’s so important to plan those workouts or else other thing just become "more important" Great tips!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 10:58 pmThank you so much.
Ashley says
May 18, 2016 at 4:35 pmThese are really great tips! I need to make exercise more of a priority in my life, but we have been way too busy lately to fit it in. Hopefully we will get some areas of our lives cleaned up soon though and have the time to spend on our bodies like I would like. Thanks for the motivation 🙂
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 10:59 pmThank you! Good luck! I sure do understand life getting in the way!
Tiffany says
May 18, 2016 at 6:48 pmGreat tips! I try to hit the gym at least 3 times per week, working hard to make it 4. Lately, I’ve been going on my lunch break from work. I looking to amp it up during the summer though, consistency is key!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 11:00 pmIt sure is. Way to go!! Whatever it takes to get your exercise on. Sounds like you have a fantastic plan.
Heather with WELLFITandFED says
May 18, 2016 at 11:27 pmConsistency is king, isn’t it ? I am the same as you. I find putting it int the schedule first is key for me or something else takes over.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 11:01 pmYes! So true. Thank you so much.
Stephanie says
May 19, 2016 at 2:23 amI’ve definitely realized that if I commit to working out after work and make it a habit it works. The best thing for sure is finding a buddy. When my boyfriend and I are on the same schedule we go to the gym consistently
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 11:01 pmThat is so great! Thank you so much.
Diana Catapang says
May 19, 2016 at 8:02 amIt’s a must for as to work-out to burn some excess calories in our body. It is also a vital thing for our health and lifestyle… and finally, it is the best when you have someone to with during working-out hours! be with someone that will encourage you to live healthy and happy. 🙂
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 11:03 pmYes, exactly! Well said. Thank you so much.
Diana Catapang says
May 19, 2016 at 8:03 amIt’s a must for as to work-out to burn some excess calories in our body. It is also a vital thing for our health and lifestyle… and finally, it is the best when you have someone to with during working-out hours! be with someone that will encourage you to live healthy and happy. 🙂
Carol Cassara says
May 19, 2016 at 3:37 pmyes always put yourself first. it’s funny how often we fail to do that very thing. Exercise is a gift!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 11:04 pmIt sure is. Thank you!!
Christina Beauchamp says
May 19, 2016 at 9:21 pmThank you for the inspiration! I needed this to kick my booty into gear!
hugs, Christina
Jennifer Slavich says
May 19, 2016 at 11:04 pmGood luck!! Thanks
Aarika Chilson says
May 19, 2016 at 10:56 pmThis is a wonderful post, Jenn! Like you, I "have" to exercise every day (My soul needs it!), and I prefer exercising in nature! =) Lately though, I have been so busy that it is easy to "put it off" exercising if I don’t do it in the morning. I adore exercising early in the morning, so I find that that time works best for me. After dinner walks are perfect for me and my hubby to spend time together as he has a different work schedule for me. Fabulous writing and ideas as usual, Jenn!
20DollarDate says
May 20, 2016 at 12:43 amA workout buddy would be legit! How can I find one of those? lol I find that something like Classpass with a cancellation fee is also a good motivator to force you to commit!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 23, 2016 at 3:31 pmThat is a fantastic motivator! Thanks so much!!
Chelsea Karrenbrock says
May 20, 2016 at 12:59 amI love the tip about walking after dinner. Also, I am definitely a morning person. I’m going to try to start going in the mornings!
Chelsea | http://coffeewithchels.com
Jennifer Slavich says
May 23, 2016 at 3:31 pmAwesome!! Thank you.
Rachel Gault says
May 20, 2016 at 1:24 amWalking after dinner is something I try to do – and lunch too if it’s not too hot! My FitBit helps keep me accountable 🙂
Jennifer Slavich says
May 23, 2016 at 3:32 pmThe FitBit is an awesome tool for sure!! Thank you so much.
Maintaining Me says
May 20, 2016 at 2:48 amThanks for the tips! I’m trying to lose the extra baby weight!
Jennifer Slavich says
May 23, 2016 at 3:32 pmGood luck! Thanks
Jenny B. says
May 20, 2016 at 4:33 amLove this! Self care is so important.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 23, 2016 at 3:32 pmThanks
Dawn says
May 20, 2016 at 4:52 amI totally agree about having a workout schedule. It has to be a priority or it won’t be done.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 23, 2016 at 3:33 pmYes it is. Thanks.
DANI CC says
May 20, 2016 at 12:25 pmLOVE your ideas. The dolls do a morning yoga sesh before all else. If we can fit in walks and what not we do.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 23, 2016 at 3:33 pmThank you!
Lauren B. says
May 24, 2016 at 5:15 pmSO many good tips! My kids love going for walks so I need to motivate myself to head out after dinner since I know they would enjoy it as well.
Jennifer Slavich says
May 25, 2016 at 3:25 amThat is so great! Hope you are able to implement this. Good luck!
Jennifer HenryNovich says
May 24, 2016 at 6:18 pmIf you plan for it, you’re more likely to do it! Love that planner
Jennifer Slavich says
May 25, 2016 at 3:26 amGreat! Thank you so much.