It’s hard in our busy lives at times to prioritize exercise, and I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t always prioritized it. I do currently have a lifestyle that includes regular exercise although I have had seasons where I have prioritized it more than I do now (more days per week/longer time periods). I wanted to share some tips that I have learned on my own and from others that have helped me. If you are a guy, you may not be able to relate to some of these suggestions.
- Don’t wash your hair every day – it’s healthier. I use dry shampoo to freshen it up. I sometimes put baby powder on it at night to absorb oil overnight. If it gets really sweaty, lightly blow dry it after your workout. Or if you have to wash it, find an easy style like an updo.
- Just take a quick shower after you work out. On the days you wash your hair (for me about 3 times per week), make that your longer shower and your shorter workout days.
- Find a more effective workout that can be done in a shorter amount of time. There are a lot of great 20-25 minute options for free on YouTube. You don’t need to do 45-60 minutes to see results, but you do have to up your intensity. Try HIIT (high intensity interval training). You can do longer sessions on the weekend and do the shorter ones during the week – whatever works for you.
- Wear your workout clothes to bed. If they aren’t that comfortable, put them out the night before and right when you wake up, change into them.
- Be realistic on what your goal is. Make it sustainable. If you don’t have a lot of time for exercise, focus on health. Build stronger muscles, more stamina, gain energy and increase mental health. Don’t compare your goal to a fitness model or someone else that has more time to prioritize towards that goal. Also, let’s be real, we are fighting against natural degeneration, so focus on what will keep you motivated in the long run.
- Mix it up so you don’t become bored (strength, yoga, walking, running).
- Pick options you enjoy.
- Figure out what schedule works for you. If I save exercise for the evening, it doesn’t happen. But if that works for you, do it. Find the time that works and stick to it. Write down your schedule for the week. Post it where you will see it.
- Write out the reasons you want to and need to prioritize exercise.
- Train for a race.
- If you mess up, don’t delay at getting back into your routine.
- Listen to your body. If you overdo it, you are not doing yourself any favors.
- Find someone to workout with.
- There can and will always be an excuse – get over it. I have to tell myself this frequently. Pep talk yourself out of excuses.
Fit Busy Lizzie 
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