Can you believe summer is already over?
Fall is here, which means the kids are heading back to school and your schedule just got a whole lot busier.Whether you’re getting the kids dressed and fed in the morning, chauffeuring them to practice or rehearsals at night, or doing both while trying to complete routine errands, it becomes very easy to forgo exercise in the interest of time. However, just because school is in session doesn’t mean your health has to get detention.
Here are four ways to incorporate exercise into your routine during the back-to-school rush:
- Plan ahead. Create a weekly or monthly calendar of your work and school hours, after-school activities, and other responsibilities. Make exercise a priority and be sure to schedule a time for it. Even if you only have ten minutes, use that time to fit in a walk or a light jog. By designating a specific time to exercise and treating it like any other commitment, you are more likely to keep up with your exercise routine.
- Walk your kids to the bus or school. Sneak in some more exercise by doing calf-raises while waiting at the bus stop. Even better, walk with your children to school if you live close enough. Walking is a great way to start your day and get your blood flowing.
- Exercise during your lunch break. Avoid fatty fast food by resisting the urge to dine out with coworkers. Instead, eat a healthy lunch, then hit the gym or go for a run. Start a new work routine and invite your coworkers to join you!
- Practice when your kids practice. Why should the kids have all the fun? Exercise while your kids are at practice or rehearsal. Check out your surroundings and get a workout in while you’re waiting. Jogging around a field, running up and down nearby stairs, jump roping, or doing body weight exercises are all great options.
The most important thing is to get moving. Try out different routines at different times until you find the combination that best fits your schedule. Before you know it, you’ll be a lean, mean exercising machine!