How to Prioritize Exercise
In today's fast-paced world, it can be tough to squeeze in some exercise despite its crucial role in maintaining good health. However, with a little prioritization, we can easily make time for physical activity.
Even 20 minutes of exercise can make a significant difference, and there are plenty of enjoyable activities to choose from, such as walking, dancing, or playing sports. Taking care of ourselves is essential to achieving a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Regular exercise benefits our physical health and supports mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression and making us feel good in the long run.
So, let's make exercise a priority and take those small steps towards a healthier and happier life!
Okay, we know we have the time, right? So, how do we make it a priority? I have some tips on how to make exercise a priority. The first step is determining how much time you can prioritize to work out. Hint: you do not need hours and hours a day. The next step is to make an appointment with yourself and treat it like you would with a professional appointment or meeting. Okay, we have created appointments for the time we have to exercise, right? Awesome! Next up is to set yourself up for success and get all of your workout gear ready to go in advance. Finally, remember why you want to prioritize exercise.
Remember why you want to get started
It is important first to determine the reasons why you want to make exercise a priority. Read this blog post about workout motivation and why you want to begin in the first place.
My top reasons why I began my fitness journey:
Longevity - as a woman, studies show that we lose muscle mass and bone density as we age. Also, everyone loses mobility in old age. However, strength and mobility training can increase muscle mass, bone density, and mobility during younger years, which then helps to reduce how quickly those are lost into old age.
Mental health - I thrive on routine. Having a strength training routine helps SIGNIFICANTLY for my mental health. It creates the habits and discipline to maintain a strong fitness routine and allows me to take time out of my day to work towards something for myself.
Physical health - This one goes hand in hand with longevity reason. But I want to be the healthiest version of myself while I am young to enjoy all the activities I love now and when I am old. I love hiking, backpacking, and running. So, I want to maintain and continuously improve my health while I am young to continue those same intense activities when I am old.
Appearance - I don’t care if this one is controversial with the “body positivity movement” all over social media. I. Want. To. Look. Good. I want a muscular physique with a healthy body weight percentage. And you know what, who cares? That is something I want for MYSELF. Not only does it make me feel good, but it also helps me WORK towards my longevity goal.
Whatever reasons motivate you to make exercise a priority, it does not matter what your reasons are. These reasons are for YOU and no one else.
Find 20 minutes a day
Okay, we have determined why you want to prioritize exercise. Next, take a look at your schedule and map out how you’re spending your time. Are the blocks of time that you are sitting and watching TV or scrolling social media? Those are the times you can find 20 minutes to work out.
There are so many free workouts on YouTube; I have my own channel and membership, where I post weekly workout videos. Go outside and walk or run. Utilize the free resources if you feel that finances hold you back from making exercise a priority.
Bonus tip: listen to a podcast or audiobook or watch your shows while you exercise. I have my home gym set up with a TV to watch my favorite YouTube videos while I work out. Also, I love audiobooks for my long runs. I can get fully immersed in the story, and the miles seem to fly by.
Schedule it like you would a meeting
We found the time, so now you can schedule an appointment with yourself. How many days are you going to prioritize exercise? Do you have more time on certain days than others? Can you and your spouse work together to support each other in prioritizing exercise?
Maybe you and your spouse trade off caring for kids or cooking dinner while the other one works out. Say, one night you work while your spouse cooks dinner, then the next night you cook dinner while your spouse works out.
Or maybe you only have time in the afternoon, but you have kids. You spend 20 minutes exercising while your spouse cares for the kids, and then the next day, you care for the kids during the 20 minutes your spouse works out.
This can ultimately support one another to prioritize exercise while also showing your children that exercise should be a priority.
Whatever your personal situation, schedule a meeting with yourself.
Determine where you are going to workout
Okay, we have the time and scheduled the meeting with you; now, you need to determine where you are going to work out.
You can work out ANYWHERE with all of the free resources, such as workout videos on YouTube, going outside to run or walk, or simply work out at a park.
Can you create a space in your home to work out, or do you only have the space for a yoga mat in your living room that you take out every time you work out?
Do you have the finances for a gym membership or to take classes? Do you have a local recreation center that has a gym? Typically, entrance is minimal to these facilities depending on the city and state it is located in.
No matter where you work out, it is important to have a plan for where you’re going to exercise. This will help reduce the excuses that come from not having a plan.
Get your workout gear ready to grab and go
Okay, now that we know when, how often, and where you’re going to work out. Next is to set yourself up for success. Gather everything you need for your workout in advance so that you can grab it and go.
My home gym is in my garage, so the equipment is ready. So, I like to set out my outfit the night before to change into my workout outfit when I get home from work.
Do you plan to workout at the gym? Get your gym bag ready to go. Put your clothes, shoes, water, any equipment (straps, yoga mats, blocks, etc.), protein bars, pre-workout, etc., into your gym bag, say the night before.
Do you have to set up your yoga mat daily in your living room? Make sure you store it either in the room where you will use it or simply in the same place every time. This way, you can grab it and get to your workout.
Whatever your personal situation, set yourself up for success by gathering everything you need to exercise in advance. You will save time and reduce the likelihood of making excuses for why you can't work out.
Bottom Line
Everyone has time to exercise. You just need to make it a priority. To prioritize exercise, determine how much time you can commit, schedule it like a meeting, prepare your gear, and remember your why.
What are your reasons for making exercise a priority?
If you are here and reading this, you are interested in your health and fitness and subscribed to My Active Life Members. That is so good; I am so excited for you! Taking care of your body is the best thing you can do for yourself in the present and the long term.
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for”
— unknown
I find that quote so inspiring. Hard work will pay off in the future, but you also have to live in the moment, and I feel like taking care of yourself is doing both. You are doing good for yourself now as well as for your future self.
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