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Exercise is undoubtedly good for us -- research shows that it can boost our mood, our memory, and our physical health. The only downside? It takes up time that is already scarce, thanks to other important priorities like work, parenting, friendships, and hobbies. The most common reasons that people neglect exercise are work conflicts and fatigue, according to Nadia Murdock, a mindset and movement coach certified in barre, mat pilates, and cognitive behavior therapy. After a jam-packed day, sinking into the couch to binge your favorite TV show can be a whole lot more tempting than picking up heavy weights.
But if you're anything like me, you know days that you get some movement in just feel a little brighter. For those of us without much time but a desire to experience all of the glorious benefits of exercise, here are some tips for how to fit workouts into a busy schedule.
Do what you enjoy. Workout options are endless: cycling, yoga, strength training, boxing, running, swimming, group dance classes, climbing, pickleball -- we could go on. Lina Begdache, PhD, professor in the Health and Wellness Studies Division at Binghamton University, recommends focusing on what motivates you to exercise and finding movement that you enjoy. (And some of these activities could double as quality time with friends or family, too.)
Begdache explains that when you enjoy the exercise, your brain will release more dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to pleasure and motivation. On the other hand, if you're forcing yourself to do something you hate just because it's good for you, your body is going to "release the stress hormone [cortisol] and it's not going to be an enjoyable experience," she says. "The stress will work against our motivation."
Get organized. "If we prioritize exercise, then we'll be able to find the time," says Begdache. Most people have some wiggle room in their schedule, if they look at it with a critical enough eye. Do you spend a half hour scrolling in bed every morning? Opt for an at-home workout for a different dopamine rush. Can you wake up an hour earlier and still get enough sleep? Start inching towards an earlier alarm by 10 minutes a day.
Start small. Diving into a new routine too hard, too fast is a surefire way to burn out -- especially if the rest of your life is already overwhelming. Murdock says her number one tip is experimenting with short and effective workouts. "Long gone are the days where you need a full hour to get an effective workout," she says. "The key is just to move your body." Begdache recommends starting with just 10 or 15 minutes a day at first. After that, you can start adding more intensity to your workout or increasing the time.