How to Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule

You know you need to exercise, but somehow your exercise sessions always seem to be the first thing to go when you are pressed for time. Yipes!

Here are some tips to help you better manage your time:

Figure out your workout routine. You know you have to exercise, but do you have a workout routine in place? Do you know exactly what workout routines and exercises you are going to do on a given day? Write down the specific routines and exercises you'll perform during the week.

Calculate workout lengths. Now that you've identified specific routines and exercises, do you know long it takes to complete your workout? Make time estimates based on past workouts or set a timer or watch the clock as you work out.

Uncover available time. Are you truly using every bit of time available to you during the week or just making a sweeping statement that you have no time? Sit down and take a look at your weekly schedule. Where are there gaps, lulls of time, or places where you really aren't doing anything? Can you move appointments, meetings or errands to consolidate time? Can you double up by exercising while you watch your favorite TV show, read a book or magazine (made easier if you have an e-book reader) or listen to a podcast or audio book?

Schedule exercise into your calendar. Using the information you've collected above, schedule exercise routines on your calendar. You can write in motivational quotes, reminders or notes of why you're exercising to keep you on track and honest. If you schedule it on a smartphone or other electronic calendar, you can program in alerts to remind you to get moving. A bonus of scheduling exercise is that you'll have a tangible record of exercise sessions. You can also add notes about miles walked, stairs climbed, weights lifted, muscles stretched and any other information you'd like.

Bonus tip: Work out during off-peak hours. If you exercise at a gym and have a flexible schedule, consider working out at off-peak hours. Why? You'll save time by not having to wait for machines or exercise stations.

Rashelle Isip is a blogger, time management and productivity consultant and professional organizer. She is founder of The Order Expert, a site featuring practical and creative organizing, time management, productivity tips, inspiration and much more. For more information visit: www.theorderexpert.com.