5 Ways to Fit Fitness into a Really Busy Schedule
Juggling being a PT/coach, a published author and podcast host, you’d forgive Laura Hoggins (@laurabiceps) for letting her own training slide.
But this year, she’s not only maintained her fitness while working 50-hour weeks, but has also taken on an impressive challenge of running the Simplyhealth Great North Run (with the goal of running a half-marathon PB), meaning she’s training harder than ever before. How does she do it?
Here, Laura shares her must-dos for staying motivated and on track.
1. Work out why:
Understanding what drives you to work out and what you want to achieve will help keep you focused on your goal.
‘My whole ethos for running and fitness is now different. Previously my aim was to lose weight, and running a marathon seemed the perfect way to do it. But I didn’t look after my body and injured myself. Now it’s about being healthy and strong, both physically and mentally.
‘I want to break down boundaries and prove I can do both strength training and running. Being passionate about this keeps me committed to the training.
‘I find weightlifting really empowering – picking up something you didn’t think you could (or couldn’t, a month ago) and noticing your progress is a great feeling, and that keeps me locked in,’ says Laura.
2. Map the way:
Struggling to make regular runs or training sessions? Giving yourself a goal will really help, reckons Laura.
‘Setting goals and challenging yourself gives you a strong focus. Work out what you need to achieve and by when, and make a training plan that helps you get there,’ tips Laura. Having the right support helps too.
‘I’ve been using a plan from Simplyhealth to help cover the cost of specialist health treatments such as physiotherapy, and that’s been really valuable to help keep me in peak condition pre-race,’ adds Laura.
3. Have a laugh:
For Laura, fun = weights and that’s her motivation.
‘Lifting is my therapy – I feel physically successful, without being ruled by the scales or what I look like,’ she says.
But if you’re somebody who lacks motivation, training with a group or a friend whose company you enjoy means you’re more likely to look forward to sessions than dread them.
‘When you enjoy it, working out becomes more of a hobby than a chore, and sometimes the accountability means you don’t allow yourself to miss the session,’ says Laura.
4. Prep, prep, prep:
‘Failing to prepare means preparing to fail!’ says Laura – and she means it.
‘Plan your week in advance and review it each Sunday night. Always put in one more session than you need – if you plan four sessions and only do three, then you’re still winning.’
Get your kit ready and packed each evening instead of rushing around in a flap in the morning, too.
If you’re planning your training around an existing injury, a plan from Simplyhealth allows you to access affordable health treatments without a referral from a GP, which can make life a lot easier.
5. Be realistic:
It’s easy to scroll through Instagram and feel discouraged by everyone else’s progress – in fact, sometimes it’s enough to stop us even trying in the first place.
So, start small when it comes to goals and ensure they are actually achievable – you’re less likely to fail that way, says Laura. Don’t forget everyone was a beginner at some point, too.
‘Progress takes time and it’s unrealistic to expect huge changes immediately – you can’t go from zero to 60 overnight,’ she says.
‘If you’re struggling to get started or looking to try a new skill, like weightlifting, enlist the help of a PT or go to a class where you’ll be monitored to learn the ropes. Soon you’ll be flying!’
Image Source:*DUNCAN NICHOLLS
Source:womenshealthmag.com
