Source: Pinterest @emilyoberg
As someone who works an office job three times a week, my retail job twice a week, tutors twice a week, is on a committee plus having to keep up with my uni lectures, classes and studying, trust me when I say I know what it’s like to be busy.
But aside from all of that, staying active is also such a big part of my life, and although I don’t necessarily ‘go to the gym’ as much as a lot of people, I still find ways to stay active and move my body even in those super busy periods of my life.
Not only do I find that staying active keeps me fit and makes me feel good, but it is also my time of the day to not think about the stresses and busyness of life, and I love a good mindless workout session enjoying my music and kicking up a sweat.
If you want to pick up your physical activity throughout the week but think you are ‘too busy’, think again! Here are some small changes you can make to ensure you are moving your body enough throughout the week…
1. Find your optimum workout time
For some people its getting up bright and early and smashing out a gym session before work or uni, or some people love a late night workout. For me, I love to come home from work or uni and squeeze in a workout before dinner. I find that it helps me unwind from my day and recharge up to study at night. Finding the right time of the day that works for you is super important, as your motivation and energy levels change throughout the day, and you want to maximise the time where you are most keen to exercise in order to help you stick to your active goals for the week.
2. Home workouts
I am the biggest advocate for a home workout. They save money, time and energy not having to pay for a gym membership, travel to and from the gym and I love the comfort of working out from my own home. I still love to follow a workout program – my go-to is Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw’s Kic App. It makes it so much easier for me when my workout is already lined up for me and all I have to do is open the app and start. But if you’re looking for something completely free of charge, there are thousands upon thousands of free home workout Youtube videos which despite the stereotype, can give you as much of a challenge as going to the gym can. I’ve linked some of my faves below…
Sarah’s Day No Equipment Full Body Cardio Burn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3heT_-cYHY
MadiFit 30 Minute Full Body Workout - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKTxe236-4U
Kayla Itsines 30 Minute Bodyweight Workout - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvGq8sWZKxs
3. Walk or take the stairs where you can
I know it sounds so basic, but you can feel such a big difference if you swap out your usual mundane travel or elevator rides for an active option like walking or taking the stairs. Although walking somewhere often takes slightly longer than driving or public transport, you will feel so good getting your steps in especially on those days you are super busy or sitting down for long periods of time. Little things like taking the stairs or walking are proof that it doesn’t take much to stay a little bit more active that you would usually be even when your schedule is packed.
4. Wake up slightly earlier
If you’re feeling really tight on time in your day, it might be a good idea to wake up that slight bit earlier to ensure you can fit in your physical activity for the day. Even getting up 30 minutes earlier than you usually would adds so much more time into your day for physical activity. Waking up early doesn’t necessarily mean you have to exercise in the morning, but you can use that time to do the things you would usually be doing in the time you have chosen to workout. For example, even though I usually do my workouts after work, if I get up early I’ll use the time to clean my room, as this is what I used to do when I came home from work, before I used the time to exercise each day.
5. Find a good pre-workout
Ok so maybe you do have enough time in the day, but not enough energy to workout in the midst of your busy schedule. I totally get it and I am sometimes the same. In these situations, its time to say hello to pre-workout!! Pre-workout is a powder you can add to water and can help you increase your energy and get the most out of your workouts. I would suggest opting for a natural pre-workout powder as they are full of amazing ingredients such as my fave – Naked Harvest’s stim free pre-workout, which is packed with L-Citrulline, Creatine and Beta-alanine and is vegan, all-natural, gluten-free and and refined sugar-free to help you muster up the energy to smash your fitness goals.
6. A little goes a long way
Honestly, it doesn’t take much time to be active everyday. If you skip your scrolling and even do 20 minutes per day, that adds up to over 120 hours per year. Don’t overwhelm yourself with the idea of needing to go to the gym for an hour everyday, for someone who is super busy it can be far too much, especially if you just are starting out your fitness journey. Take it step by step and build up an achievable routine and soon you’ll be so proud of yourself for what you can achieve amongst your busy schedule!
Good luck Uni Diaries fam! Stay active and don’t let your health and wellness slip as it is so important for your overall wellbeing😊 Here’s to smashing some fitness goals before the year is over!!
Written by Nicole Rozario
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