How to fit the gym into your day

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Another one of the most common hurdles people face in getting into the gym is a perceived lack of space in their day. Well, some tough love upfront, you do have time, it’s probably just currently taken up by something else, that isn’t as good for you. This can seem a bit high and mighty coming from people who run a gym. Of course, it is easier for us to get a workout in. We work in a gym, and we too hate the whole 'Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day' mantra. Whilst technically correct I have far more free time in my day than say someone with two kids, or a real job where you don't work in a gym.

However, in the UK we watch an average of just over three hours of TV per day. (based on 2021 data) and an average of four hours per day using our smartphones. That's a total of Seven hours of screen time per day, on average. So you can see why we feel most people can manage to fit some exercise into their weekly schedule.

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​Getting into the gym, or working out at home, is far more beneficial to you long term, and it’s important to make time for these things. They aren’t just going to leap into your schedule, especially when they’re uncomfortable at first, and not something we have a lot of drive to do. You have to physically carve out dedicated exercise time, don’t spend all your evenings on the sofa in front of a screen. A couple of times a week, totally, go for it. But far too often it’s a daily occurrence for people.

​Another helpful thing to think about, you don’t need a full hour. Everyone gets so fixated on a full 60 minutes or has this ‘all or nothing’ idea that if you can’t get a full or proper session in you might as well not bother. See what you can squeeze into your calendar. If it’s crunch time at work and you only have some stuff for bodyweight lifts at home, just get 30,15, or even 10 minutes of elevated heart rate. Go for an extra long walk if you only usually do a short one, load up a backpack and take it with you to up the intensity if that’s your vibe. 

​A super easy home workout plan to run is picking one or two of your favourite exercises, and just seeing how many you can get done in X minutes, then trying to improve on that week to week, super easy to get done in a pinch.

​You should really be looking to get some longer periods of physical activity in your life, but sometimes other things take priority. See if there are any options for combining social activities and exercise, this is especially good if your friends are also looking to fit in more exercise. Take a class together, walk/run/cycle together instead of just lounging in a Costa coffee sponging the wifi while they take a calendar week to make a latte.

​There is space for you to fit exercise into your routine, you just have to make it.

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Hopefully, you found that helpful! If you’re swithering about going to the gym for the first time, or just want some guidance on how to add some more exercise into your week. Feel free to check us out @atsapproved on all social media, or just give us a call on 07843024606 and have chat! 

Author: will brown

​Will is co-founder and director at Athlete Training Systems, he has a true passion for coaching and helping people reach their goals.