Quick Fitness Tips for Busy Women Over 40

As our lives seem to become increasingly busier every day, finding the time to fit regular exercise into our daily schedules can be challenging. However, maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for physical and mental well-being. Understanding exercise is crucial and it can be frustrating to struggle with actually finding the time to fit it in. The good news is that there are plenty of creative and effective ways to sneak exercise into your day, even if you have a packed schedule. If carving out an hour to go to the gym isn’t feasible, there are plenty of ways to fit in a fast workout that still yields results- wherever you are.

In this blog, we’ll discuss various strategies that can help you maximize your daily activity and stay fit despite your busy lifestyle. 

 
 

7 strategies that can help you maximize your daily activity and stay fit

Utilize Your Morning Routine

While hitting the snooze button a few more times may be tempting, waking up just 15-20 minutes earlier can give you the extra time needed to fit in some morning exercise. Whether it's a quick yoga session, a short jog, or a bodyweight workout, starting your day with physical activity can help boost your mood and increase your energy levels throughout the day.

Maximize Your Commute

If you have the option, consider walking or cycling to work. Not only will this help you sneak in some exercise, but it can also save you money on transportation costs and reduce your carbon footprint. If your commute is too far to walk or cycle, try parking farther away from your workplace or getting off public transportation a stop early to incorporate a brisk walk into your daily routine.

Take Advantage of Breaks at Work

Instead of spending your entire lunch break sitting down, use part of that time to get moving. Take a walk around the block, climb a few flights of stairs, or even perform a quick workout in your office using bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups. Additionally, try breaking up long periods of sitting by standing up and stretching or walking around every hour.

Make Household Chores More Active

Turn your daily household chores into opportunities for exercise. Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping can burn calories and engage various muscle groups. Get creative with your chores by adding squats, lunges, or calf raises while washing dishes or folding laundry.

Exercise While Watching TV

Instead of sitting on the couch during your favorite shows, use that time to fit in some exercise. You can walk or jog in place, perform bodyweight exercises, or even invest in a stationary bike or treadmill to use while watching TV. Alternatively, you can use commercial breaks to fit in short bursts of activity, like jumping jacks or quick stretches.

Make Socializing Active

Instead of meeting friends for coffee or drinks, suggest getting together for a walk, a hike, or another physical activity. This way, you can catch up with your friends and stay active at the same time. Plus, you'll be more likely to stick to your exercise routine if you have a workout buddy to hold you accountable.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Countless fitness apps and wearable devices can help you track your daily activity, set goals, and stay motivated. Many of these apps also offer short workout routines that you can complete in just a few minutes, making it easy to squeeze in some exercise whenever you have a spare moment.

Fast Workouts For Busy Women

When it comes to fitting exercise into your busy schedule, consider incorporating fast workouts that take 15 minutes or less. These quick workouts can yield significant results and can be done wherever you are:

1. Planking

Planking is an excellent to get a good workout iin a short amount of time.  When you assume the plank position, you are working out both your arm and your core muscles. While you will only be doing them for a few minutes at a time, you will see the rapid results with this workout.

2. Burpees

Burpees work well as a kind of cardiovascular exercise that also tones muscles. If you're not sure what a burpee is, it's simple to explain, but not quite as effortless to do!  Get down on the ground as if you are going to do pushups, do one, and then get back up and jump in the air.  Repeat this for as many reps as you can.  

3. Lunges & Squats

Lunges and squats are both exercises that are very easy to accomplish, and you can get creative with working them into your day.  You can do squats while you brush your teeth morning and night, lunges around the kitchen while dinner is cooking -- anytime you are standing still during the day, fit in some squats or lunges to pass the time.

4. Sworkit App

There are tons of in-home workout apps to choose from, and Sworkit is one that I use and adore.  Customize your own HIIT workout, even choosing how long you have to fit an exercise in, and you’ll get a fantastic workout you can do in the comfort of your own home, customized just for you.

5. Stairs 

Whether you have them in your house or somewhere nearby in your neighborhood, using a staircase to get in some great cardio is a fantastic idea. Run up the stairs, walk down, and repeat.  Get in as many reps as you can, and you will have a heart-pounding workout in 15-minutes or less.

No matter what workout you choose, it’s important to pick something you enjoy to ensure you stick with it. Working out can be fun if you find methods that you actually enjoy, rather than dread doing. So experiment and explore different options so you can discover what works best for you! 

Sneaking exercise into your day may seem challenging, but with some creativity and determination, it's possible to maintain an active lifestyle even with a busy schedule. You can improve your overall health and well-being without sacrificing your precious time by making minor adjustments to your daily routine and looking for opportunities to incorporate physical activity. Give these strategies and fast workouts a try and see how they can make a positive impact on your life. Remember, the key is finding what you enjoy and making fitness a part of your daily life, wherever you are.

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