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How to Stay Fit with a Busy Schedule
Challenges of Being Busy and Staying Fit
By Matthew D. Phipps https://www.instagram.com/yearnwithphipps/
If you're into fitness and have competed in some type of competition whether it was bodybuilding, cross fit games, marathons, 5k runs or even obstacle races then you know by now training for these events can be extremely time consuming. Usually, you're on a strict diet and training schedule. It will force you to make sacrifices by missing out on events and family dinners. We are in a very selfish field. There will be a need for understanding and the only way to achieve that is through communication. Keep your loved ones informed and include them whenever you can. A great way to involve family is make your event a mini vacay! For example if a physique competition is in Bloomington, MN spend enough time there so you can enjoy a few days with your family at Mall of America. If they train with you that is an enormous plus because you get to spend time together, they can experience first-hand the effort you put in and what it takes to succeed in your field, while also keeping everyone actively healthy. Having a home gym has helped me reduce time commuting. Owning a home, having a demanding career, pet(s), spouse, and children especially in sports or other activities will further your need for effective time management. You will have a need for balance between everything, most importantly showing attention to and supporting your family, while working towards your goals. Seems almost impossible with just 24 hours in a day, right? A major key will be to devise a plan. Map out your monthly schedule a week at a time. This will help you stick to a routine training schedule and minimize missing out on important family events that you want and need to attend. If you're like me and love watching tv and playing video games kiss those days goodbye! You'll hardly have enough time to make all those family and friend's events much less watch a Netflix series that will keep you occupied for hours. Prioritize prioritize prioritize! That's the word to live by along with discipline. Discipline to know you've been scrolling too long on Instagram and that it's time to start training.
Examine and write down what a typical 24-hour day is for you. Mine goes something like this:
5:25am wake up, use restroom, brush my teeth, weigh myself, drink fat burner or energy.
5:40am fasted cardio 1 hour
6:40am cook and eat breakfast
7:05am shower
7:35am leave for work
8am-5pm work drink pre-workout, if necessary, on my drive home
5:30pm arrive home
5:40pm change then workout
6:45pm dinnerThe rest of the evening I'm playing games with my daughters, making sure they are bathed, ready for school tomorrow, shower and I am in bed by about 8:30-9pm
From about that time until I fall asleep is the time my spouse and I may watch a show or try to get a movie in. During the weekends regardless of what we have going on 2 things are an absolute must:
1. Go grocery shopping
2. Meal prep for the week.
Personally, there's no way to fit making meals every day of the week. If I'm in prep, I follow a strict diet, so I'm likely not consuming too many meals out or cooked by a family member unless it follows my prep guidelines. Some weeks I'll even meal prep my breakfast. One easy way to meal prep breakfast is egg muffins! Place some chopped veggies in each little muffin circle on a muffin pan, then pour in eggs or egg whites until you've filled all 12 spots on the tray. It's easy, quick, and you can bake them in the oven while baking that chicken or fish for your weekly lunches and dinners.
There's no real secret formula for time management but analyzing what you do on daily basis down to each hour and minute will help you discover where time is being wasted. Then you can think of improved ways that time could be utilized. Whether it's fitting in more family time, doing housework, playing with your pet(s), getting that extra workout in, stretching, sleeping, or making sure you have meals for the week. Planning is a busy individual's pathway of success. Prioritize your responsibilities, remain disciplined, and learn to sacrifice when needed. Leave your excuses behind because you can overcome your challenges of being busy and staying fit!
