How to Get Fit with a Busy Schedule

Thank you to adidas and ShopStyle for sponsoring today’s post.

We’re halfway through the #Move20For30 Challenge!  It’s Day 16 and I’m so proud of you guys and myself!  Even though I missed two days, I’m still so thankful that I’ve committed to this because I feel so much better when I’m moving everyday.  You can’t let those little setbacks get you down. Tomorrow is a new day and I love a fresh start!

I wanted to share a few tips for how to fit exercise into your day even when you don’t feel like you have time.  I know that’s one of the biggest factors for why we don’t do it even when we know we need to!

HOW TO GET FIT WITH A BUSY SCHEDULEHow to Get Fit with a Busy Schedule

Sports BraTankShortsShoesSocks

Before we jump into the tips I have for you, let me share a little about the new shoes I’m wearing in the photo above.

The adidas Ultraboost 19 are the comfiest athletic shoes I’ve tried in a long time. They have torsion spring, optimized boost, and primeknit 360 material (which feels like a second skin!).  I jump rope, exercise, and run errands in them.

I’m happy to invest in good quality athletic shoes.  I feel like the good ones are really worth it for supporting your body throughout your workout.  The adidas Ultraboost 19 has such amazing construction and yet still feel super lightweight and stretch with your movements, while still holding your foot in place. The second-skin fit follows the shape of your foot to reduce pressure points.

They fit true to size.

Now let’s dig in!

DITCH THE EXCUSES

If you know in your heart of hearts that you WANT to exercise more regularly and you NEED to, then you CAN!  It’s a matter of making up your mind that you WILL!  No excuses.  I’m not talking to that new mom that’s still up all night nursing (give yourself some grace) or if you just aren’t ready to commit.

But if you are ready, then no. more. excuses.  Tough love here people.

Seriously, we all have the same 24 hours in the day and you know what you make time for?  The things that are important to you.  Is your life reflecting that?

how to get fit on a busy schedule

I could get into all the science about how exercise improves your overall health and your mood, prevents disease and increases your energy- but you know that!  We all feel so much better when we make daily movement part of our lives.

It will also improve your memory and brain power, which makes you even more productive.  So if you think you don’t have time- remember that you’ll likely get more done after you exercise!

MAKE SACRIFICES

But I’m so busy.  Busy, busy, busy.  Aren’t we all?!  So, maybe you have to skip Real Housewives or browsing Facebook or say no to an enticing invitation.  It hurts in the moment to make sacrifices, but you’ll love the results in the long term.

We really can’t do it all, so we have to be choosy about what we commit to. It doesn’t come easy, but that’s part of the payoff.

adidas ultraboost sneakers

These shorts are awesome for running or at-home workouts.  They’re lightweight, comfortable and fully lined.  I love the slim cut with an adjustable waist and you’ll feel cool in them because they’re designed to pull sweat away from your skin so you can stay dry.

Also, if you like to run in the evening, they have reflective fabric all around.

WAKE UP EARLY

You may not want to hear this and honestly, I’ve never been a morning person.  BUT, when I started waking up earlier to fit in my own quiet time and exercise, it made my whole day and life feel so much better!

At this time in my life, as soon as my young kids (ages 3 and 9) wake up, it’s go go go until bedtime.  And by then, I’m exhausted too.  So, if I really want to get my exercise in, waking up early is the best way to guarantee that it gets done!

Lay out your workout clothes before you go to sleep and keep your shoes and socks together – it will make the morning go much faster.

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

Planning makes all the difference.  Every Sunday, I plan out my week and every night I plan out the next day.  Okay, not EVERY day, but on the days I do, things go smoother and I get so much more done!

When you schedule in your exercise like you would any other appointment, it makes it much more likely to happen.

Get Fit Done Guide with Printables

SET REASONABLE GOALS

What I love about this #move20for30 challenge is that it’s just 20 minutes! We can do anything for 20 minutes.  It’s long enough to get a good workout, but short enough to not feel overwhelming or take too much of your time.

Even 20 minutes of exercise will start up your metabolism and energize your body for the day. A few minutes at night can ease stress and help you relax for bedtime.

Exercise doesn’t have to be majorly intense cardio or lifting super heavy weights. I’ve been either heading outside for a quick jog around my neighborhood, jumping rope, or using the workouts in the Get Fit Done Guide.

EXERCISE AT HOME

Get off the couch! If you’re relaxing at home watching TV and want to burn a few calories, do some jumping jacks or squats during commercials instead of fast forwarding.

If you don’t have someone to watch the kids while you fit in some workout time, include them.  Go for a walk together. I love playing soccer with my son. He’s 9 and athletic, so he keeps me moving!  My 3-year old loves to do at-home workouts with me.  We’ll do jumping jacks, sit ups, lunges, you name it!

Y’all also know I’ve been doing the workouts in the Get Fit Done Guide and they help so much because you don’t have to think about what to do.  If you need some simple exercises, just grab a set of dumbells (I usually use 8 lbs) and get to lifting. I’ll do bicep curls, upright rows, shoulder presses, etc.  Remember, your body doesn’t know if you’re working out at home or at the gym! 😉

workout at home adidas workout outfit

workout at home adidas workout outfit

workout at home adidas workout outfit

workout at home adidas workout outfit

workout at home adidas workout outfit

If you’re running or jumping with a larger chest, you definitely need a good sports bra.  The one I’m wearing from adidas has high compression for ultra support to keep everything in place, with a mesh back panel and lining.  I also like the convertible straps that let you adjust it to get the perfect fit.

how to get fit

how to get fit

How cute is this racerback tank?! Not only is it stylish, it’s made with a breathable moisture-wicking fabric, to help keep you dry while exercising.  It also has reflective details for running in dim light.

If you're running or jumping with a larger chest, you definitely need a good sports bra.  The one I'm wearing from adidas has high compression for ultra support to keep everything in place, with a mesh back panel and lining.  I also like the convertible straps that lets you adjust it to get the perfect fit.

Sports BraTankShortsShoesSocks

REWARD YOURSELF

Oftentimes rewards tend to be treat or food-based. Maybe your reward can focus on treating yourself to new shoes or workout shorts for the summer.  Don’t you always feel so much better when you have quality workout clothes to wear?!

adidas ultra boost 19

JOIN THE FREE 20 MINUTE MOVE CHALLENGE

If you want to join the #move20for30 challenge, it’s not too late!  All you have to do is move 20 minutes a day for 30 days!  You can do whatever exercise you want, as long as you move your body for 20 minutes.

You can print the chart below to track your progress.  If you tag me in your Stories @honeywerehome, I’ll share you progress!

Move 20 for 30 free printable

20 MINUTE MOVE CHALLENGE LOG

CLICK THE PICTURES BELOW TO SHOP MY WORKOUT OUTFIT

It might be hard to change your mindset to Take Care of You, but it’s always worth it.  Have you been doing the 20 Minute Move challenge with us?  How is it going for you?  I’m getting leaner, but more importantly, I feel so much more energetic everyday.  

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

5 Comments

  1. I am an empty nester, but if I don’t get up and workout first thing ( I set my alarm for 6) in the morning – then it doesn’t happen! Also, I go to a personal trainer and we have a small group of about 4 ladies, and we all keep each other accountable!!!

  2. I 100% agree with Megan’s advice/hard love!

    About 5 years ago I realized I needed to make a change but didn’t want to miss any time with my kids during the day. Since I also have a full-time job there was really only two places to take time from – before my kids get up, or after they’ve gone to bed. I first tried late evening workouts (7:30 pm), but I was always drained and dreading trying to rally the desire to get going that late in the day. By that time I’d already made three meals, ran the kids around, worked, played, cleaned, all the mom/adult things! So with dread in my heart I decided to try the early morning route. Ladies, it was HARD! – at first, but after a few months it became one of the best me time decisions I have ever made! I get up at 4:30 am Monday thru Friday. I drive to the gym cranking my music, hit it hard at my workout (crossfit), and then drive home while mentally preparing for the day. Once I walk in the door at 7:00 am, my hubby and kids are getting up, but I’m already energized and ready to GSD! I’m usually in a really good mood and my family feeds off of that. It’s a really great way to start our day. Having those couple of hours where the only person I’m thinking about is me, have been invaluable. It’s helped with my depression tremendously and it’s helped me find my way back to who I am after having had kids. Megan is completely right, making the time for you, taking care of you, is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Not to mention, I am one of the few moms who can more than keep up with her kids (6 and 9) out on the playground, kickball field, or the ninja course at the park! Waking up early to workout has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Totally worth the mandatory 10:00 pm bedtime, haha!

  3. I loooove Adidas Ultraboost running shoes. I am a runner and have ran marathons in these, I actually have two pairs. One for running outside and the others for running on the treadmill at the gym because the ones used outside get dirty so quickly. Adidas has the best workout clothes as well. Agree with your advice, I am now a morning person and look forward to getting up at 4:40 so I can be at the gym at 5 am, I come back, shower, get ready for work (I work outside the home), drop off one of the kids at school, etc… But if you had told me I was going to be at the gym at 5 am, 3 years ago, I would have laughed but now I feel I’m a much better person because of it. Going to bed early is difficult sometimes, not because I am not tired (because I am) but because of all the things that need to get done to prepare for the following day. But in a way, this is also making me more mindful of how I spend my evenings (not watching TV for example) and I prioritize sleeping early so it is a good change in so many ways. Of course, there might be days when I simply can’t get up but I might squeeze a workout in the early evening or as soon as I get home from the office. At whatever time works for us, we have to make time, for our sanity and for setting a good example (those of us that have kids).

  4. Love this post and the tough love! You are so right, we make time for what is important so we can all fit in exercise! I finally realized I need a group class to get me motivated and while I’m not a morning person either, I do my workouts at 5 am and love it! I schedule my group classes online so I am accountable and get up at 4:30 3x a week to get it done. It was difficult at first but I have now been going for 3 years and never miss unless I’m sick or out of town. I have felt happier and so much better in general these past years since implementing this routine!

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