How to Develop an Exercise Schedule

Exercise at a time that is convenient for you.

You know the importance of exercise, and you want to make a commitment to it. But you are concerned that you don't have time to fit it into your already-hectic lifestyle. Don't worry; you can, and it's not even that hard. You can maintain an appropriate fitness level without having to dedicate hours of your day to exercise or give up the other important parts of your life that you enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar or datebook

Instructions

1. Determine when your motivation to exercise is the highest. Don't worry about whether or not you have time to exercise during those hours or not yet. It's more important, at first, to focus on a time that works for you. Some of us are morning people, and like to get exercise over with first thing. Others are night owls, preferring to have sweat sessions after work to de-stress and recharge.

2. Determine how to carve out time during you motivated hours. If you can get up a bit earlier to exercise, do so. If you can skip a TV show or two to hop on the treadmill, consider that. You need not invest a great deal of time to exercise -- doing a half an hour in the morning and a half an hour at night adds up to a full hour each day, which is an adequate amount for both weight loss and general fitness.

3. Write down your exercise schedule on a calendar or in a datebook. Consider your workout times to be as important as appointments you'd make for work, and do not skip sessions if you can help it. Put the places and times that you will exercise down on paper, as well as the type of routine that you will do. Making your schedule concrete in this way helps you to remember it. It also provides a sense of accomplishment when you cross it off your list!

4. Tell others about your exercise schedule. For one thing, friends might want to join you. If you like to exercise with others, this can help keep you motivated, and will make the sessions more engaging. But just as importantly, it will make others aware that you are not to be disturbed during these sessions. Fewer interruptions (whether in person or by cell phone, for instance), make for a better and more consistent workout.

Tips & Warnings

• If exercising at a gym, make sure to check its hours beforehand to ensure it will be open when you arrive.

References

• Fitting Exercise Into A Busy Schedule! - Get In Shape, Stay Active, And Live A Healthy Life; CompTel Services; 2008