Fitting in Fitness: A Busy Engineering Student’s Hacks

Hey everyone! So, like many of you, I’m a college student – an engineering student at that, which basically means I juggle classes, labs, projects, and enough stress to power a small city.  Fitting in gym sessions with all that chaos?  Yeah, not always easy.

Sometimes the Gym Becomes a Distant Dream

Let’s be honest, during those brutal exam weeks or project deadlines, hitting the gym becomes a distant dream. (Though, sometimes I manage a few bodyweight exercises at home – gotta improvise, right?) On those days, I don’t beat myself up – rest is important too! But, if I know I can’t make it to the gym for a few days in a row, I force myself to squeeze in a home workout.

This Struggle Isn’t Unique

I know I’m not alone in this fight.  Plenty of you out there probably have even crazier schedules, but still want to feel good and stay in shape. So, listen up!  In the next part of this post, I’m sharing some tips I’ve learned from my own experience on how to squeeze exercise into a super busy schedule. Trust me, even with a packed calendar, you can find 10-15 minutes two or three times a day!

8 Practical Tips to Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for exercise can seem like an impossible task. Between work, family commitments, and social obligations, it’s easy for physical activity to fall by the wayside.However, prioritizing exercise is essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. The good news is that with some planning and creativity, fitting exercise into even the busiest schedule is achievable. Here are seven practical tips to help you incorporate physical activity into your daily routine: 

1. Never skip your breakfast

you may wonder why this tip is here! Skipping the first and most important meal of the day can harm your health in several ways. It disrupts your metabolism, increases the risk of diabetes, and affects heart health. Breakfast boosts energy, improves memory, and aids weight management. To get the most benefit take breakfast within at least 2 hours of waking up. A balanced breakfast with whole grains, protein, and fruits can sustain energy levels throughout the day. Skipping breakfast should be avoided, especially if you’re aiming for weight loss.

2. Schedule It Like Any Other Appointment

Treat your workout sessions as non-negotiable appointments. Just like you wouldn’t skip a meeting or a doctor’s appointment, prioritize your exercise time. Block off specific times in your calendar dedicated to physical activity, and stick to them as much as possible.

3. Choose Efficient Workouts

When time is limited, focus on exercises that deliver maximum results in minimum time. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and Tabata workouts are great options for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health in short bursts of time. Aim for workouts that can be completed in 20-30 minutes to make the most of your limited schedule.

4. Make Use of Breaks and Lunch Hours

Instead of scrolling through your phone during breaks or lunchtime, use this time to squeeze in some exercise. Take a brisk walk around the office building, do a quick bodyweight workout in a nearby park, or find a quiet corner to do some stretching exercises. Even short bursts of activity throughout the day can accumulate and contribute to your overall fitness.

5. Incorporate Exercise Into Daily Activities

Look for opportunities to sneak in exercise during your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car farther away from your destination to get some extra steps in, or do squats while brushing your teeth. These small changes may seem insignificant individually, but they can have a cumulative effect on your fitness level over time.

6. Wake Up Earlier

While it may be tempting to hit the snooze button and get a few extra minutes of sleep, waking up just 30 minutes earlier can provide you with valuable time to exercise before the day gets hectic. Use this time to go for a run, do a yoga session, or follow along with a workout video at home. Not only will you start your day on a positive note, but you’ll also have a sense of accomplishment that can carry you through the rest of the day.

7. Get Creative With Multitasking

Combine exercise with activities you enjoy or need to do anyway. Listen to an audiobook or podcast while going for a walk or run, pedal on a stationary bike while watching TV, or do bodyweight exercises while catching up on your favorite show. By multitasking in this way, you can make the most of your time and make exercise feel less like a chore.

8. Stay Flexible and Be Kind to Yourself

There will inevitably be days when your schedule gets thrown off course or you simply don’t have the energy to exercise. Instead of feeling guilty or discouraged, accept that it’s okay to miss a workout occasionally. The key is to stay flexible and not let one setback derail your entire fitness journey. Be kind to yourself, and remember that consistency over time is what leads to progress.

In conclusion, fitting exercise into a busy schedule requires intentionality, creativity, and flexibility. By prioritizing physical activity, making use of available time, and staying consistent with your efforts, you can achieve your fitness goals and lead a healthier, more balanced life. With these seven practical tips, you can make exercise a sustainable part of your daily routine, no matter how busy life gets.