Fitting in Fitness, Be Purposeful with Each Practice

A beautiful early summer sunset - June 2024 - in Lakes Park where I've run with many from our beautiful GearedUp family. Photo courtesy of Charly Caldwell II.

Sometimes life is just plain busy.

Some people work long hours while others do shift work or travel often.

Regardless of your situation, your health and fitness training don’t need to suffer, nor should they.

As one who has the tendency to work more than I probably should, I know how hard it can get to find the energy for a workout, never mind the time to get outside and go for a ride or a run.

However, I always find time. 

How?

With the proper intention, anything is possible.

Be purposeful with each practice

Often we see people who want to do it all – golf, tennis, bike, run, yoga, weight train – and with the inability to fit everything in, they end up doing nothing. Instead of trying to do everything, focus your attention on your goals and purposefully spend the time you do have directed at achieving those goals. 

For example, if your goal is to run a New Year’s 5K, you would be better served focusing your attention on your run training rather than agreeing to play pick up matches on the court.

Know what your purpose and outcome for each training session is.

This directed and intentional focus will help you squeeze more out of each session and ultimately achieve your goals.

Spending 20-30 minutes focusing on one aspect of your goal can get the job done regardless whether you’re working towards a personal best or need some head space and a chance to relax.

No matter what it is that you want to achieve in that session, focus on it and get it done.

This can be especially useful when traveling.

For example, if you're away for a few nights pick one thing to work on while you're away and focus on that.

I always take a Sky Ball massage ball with me when I travel and focus on stretching and mobilizing areas that I often neglect in my daily routine.

This is easy to do anywhere, takes up very little space in your carry-on and takes much less time than a full workout.

However, I am the big winner though because I come back with a little more range of motion, less of an ache in my muscles and I can move easily after sitting in an airplane seat and sleeping in a different bed.

Make it a lifestyle habit

The next time a friend or colleague suggests lunch, suggest a lunch walk instead.

You will still be able to catch up while you are moving and you'll get your heart pumping at the same time.

I have conducted more business while on a bike ride that I ever have in a board room.

Not only are both parties getting some exercise, but meeting outcomes tend to be much more positive when done while endorphins are pumping through your veins.

Life is getting busier but we all feel better when we maintain our health and fitness.

Every little bit counts and small steps can add up to goals being achieved.

If you enjoyed this blog post, you'll really enjoy our 14 DAY MINDSET CHALLENGE  which is part of our Monthly Membership program helping & supporting you toward living your best life!

Our Geared Up theme for you is "Health, Wellness & Fitness in a Multi-Sport Lifestyle".  Find out all of the ways we can support you through our Membership programs here.

Let's go on this journey together and change your life as always, “Practice with Purpose and Live with Passion!”

Angie