Finding time for exercise can be tough, especially with a packed work schedule. But even in the busiest of times, it’s essential to make room for fitness. Your health should always be a priority, and luckily, it’s possible to stay active no matter how hectic life gets. Here are 6 easy ways to fit fitness into your daily routine.

1. Work Out Efficiently
Choose exercises that can be done almost anywhere and require minimal setup. Look for workouts that offer maximum results in the shortest time possible. Here are some great options:
-
CrossFit
-
Tabata Training
-
Interval Running
-
Quick Ab Routine
-
Weighted Jump Rope
-
Bodyweight Workouts
-
Resistance Band Workouts
-
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT, for example, not only boosts strength but also improves aerobic endurance. Studies show that interval training helps increase oxygen uptake, making it easier for your body to deliver oxygen to your muscles.
RELATED: Get Motivated: 10 Tips to Supercharge Your Workout Routine
2. Do What You Love
Exercise doesn’t have to be something you dread. If running isn’t your thing, don’t force it! You’re more likely to stick with a workout routine if you actually enjoy it. Experiment with different types of exercise until you find one that fits your personality and lifestyle. Find something fun, and fitness won’t feel like a chore.
3. Add a Competitive Element
Remember how fun gym class dodgeball was? Keep that energy alive by adding a competitive twist to your workouts. Research suggests that competition can be a strong motivator. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can join:
-
Fun Runs
-
Cycling Events
-
CrossFit Competitions
-
Powerlifting Contests
-
Long-Distance Running Events
-
Workout Challenges with Friends
Pro Tip: Download a fitness app to track your progress alongside friends and family. Friendly competition can be the perfect push to keep you committed.
4. Put It on Your Calendar
Treat your workout as a non-negotiable appointment. If you had to pick up your kid or attend a meeting, you’d find a way to make it happen. The same should apply to your exercise routine. Schedule your workouts, treat them as important as any other task, and stick to your plan. You deserve some “me-time.”
5. Track Your Activity
Tracking your workouts helps you stay on course and measure progress. Write down each workout in your calendar, then tally them up at the end of each week, month, and year. This will help you see where you’re improving and where you might need to step it up.
Pro Tip: If you’re not into pen and paper, try a fitness app to log your activity. It’s easy and keeps you accountable.
RELATED: Master Your Deadlift: Essential Tips for Proper Form and Technique
6. Choose Something Over Nothing
Even if you don’t have a full hour to work out, some exercise is better than none. Short, frequent workouts can offer amazing benefits for both body and mind. Just 7 minutes of exercise can make a difference! Here are some quick ways to sneak in fitness:
-
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
-
Use your lunch break for a brisk walk.
-
Park farther away from the building.
-
Move around or deskercise at least once an hour.
-
Do squats while waiting for coffee or brushing your teeth.
-
Wake up 15 minutes early for a quick stretch or set of push-ups.
Conclusion
Making time for fitness doesn’t have to be hard, even with a busy schedule. By choosing efficient workouts, doing what you love, adding a competitive edge, and tracking your progress, you’ll stay on track. Even if you can’t fit in an hour, a quick workout is always better than none.
3 sources
- Atakan MM, et al. (2021). Evidence-based effects of high-intensity interval training on exercise capacity and health: A review with historical perspective.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8294064/ - Box AG, et al. (2019). High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and competitions: How motives differ by length of participation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6428326/ - Mahmood A, et al. (2022). Development of strategies to support home-based exercise adherence after stroke: A Delphi consensus.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8739434/