Hey ladies! I know in your 50s you’re busy with work, family, and all the other responsibilities that come with this stage of life. It can be tough to find the time and motivation to exercise regularly, but I’m here to help you prioritize your health and fitness! In this post, I’ll give you four tips on how to fit consistent workouts into your busy schedule and make it a priority in your life.
1. Schedule It In
Just like you schedule all your other appointments and commitments, make sure to schedule time for your workouts. Set aside specific time slots for exercise in your calendar and treat them as non-negotiable. Whether it’s early in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up, during your lunch break, or in the evening after dinner, find a time that works for you and stick to it.
Bar none, this is the number-one thing you can do to workout consistently. I know it can feel overwhelming to put it in your schedule when you already feel overbooked, but believe me, all of the other steps in this post will not be helpful unless you take this first one.
2. Find Workouts You Enjoy
If you dread your workouts, it’s going to be hard to stay consistent. Find activities that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, or group fitness classes, find something that makes you feel good and brings you joy. The more you enjoy your workouts, the more likely you are to stick with them.
One word of caution, though…
Too often I see ladies avoiding doing the activities and exercises they need to do because they don’t find them enjoyable. In particular, I see a lot of women skipping out on lifting weights as often as they should.
While finding activities and workouts you enjoy is a great way to get the ball rolling with exercising consistently, if you aren’t lifting weights already, at some point you will have to add it in even if you don’t enjoy it.
At a minimum I want to see the ladies I am working with lifting weights four days a week. I know that sounds like a lot, but the research on osteoporosis and many of the other issues women face as we get older is very clear on this.
So I encourage you to start with activities and workouts you enjoy, but if that doesn’t include lifting weights (and heavy weights at that…), add it into your routine as soon as you can.
3. Get Support
Find a workout buddy or join a fitness group to help keep you accountable. Having someone to exercise with can make it more enjoyable and make you more likely to stick to your routine. Plus, it’s a great way to socialize and have some fun while working out!
Many women are shocked to see how much more enjoyable their workouts are when they are doing them with people they like being around. And they can help you stick with your workouts long-term, too!
I have had many clients tell me that they would not have stuck with lifting weights as long as they have if they were trying to do it on their own, but since they enjoy our sessions together, they have stayed consistent.
So find people to workout with that you enjoy being around. It can seem like a little thing, but it can make a huge difference.
4. Keep It Simple
You don’t have to spend hours at the gym to get a good workout. Short, intense workouts can be just as effective as longer ones. Look for workouts that you can do at home with minimal equipment, such as bodyweight exercises, yoga, or fitness videos. This way, you can fit in a quick workout even on the busiest of days.
In fact, this simplicity piece is so important for consistency that this was put at the forefront of all of the workouts within the Exercise For Life Membership. Each workout was designed to be done right from home using minimal equipment and completed in under 25 minutes. Our members absolutely love this!
If you would like to try out the Exercise For Life Membership, for a limited time we are giving away a 30-day free trial. All you have to do to get started is go to www.exerciseforlifestudios.com.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to seeing results from your workouts. By making exercise a regular part of your routine, you’ll not only look and feel better, but you’ll also have more energy and be better equipped to handle all the demands of your busy life. So, let’s prioritize our health and make exercise a non-negotiable part of our daily routine! You’ve got this, girl!
Julie