It is the one thing that we always tend to put off. It’s the one thing that most of us end up taking off of our schedule because things got busy, something got in the way, or I just didn’t feel like it. I didn’t have the time. That thing is working out- despite all of the benefits exercise brings.
Exercising is one of those things that we all know we’re supposed to do, but yet we can’t always find time for. And maybe we do for a little while, but we can’t stick with it consistently. And I will say, I was in that camp for a long time. I’ve always been an incredibly athletic person, who cared so much about my health.
Throughout the years there was motherhood, there was work, there was me having a career, and me having a business. And then, another business. Finally, after two babies, a marriage, and a house, I have finally found a way to stop making the excuse of “I don’t have time to work out.”
I’m going to share the benefits that I have found that through exercise that have helped me become more productive. What do you say? Let’s get down into the nitty-gritty on what it’s been like for me and what it can look like for you!
Listen below for the entire episode on The Systemize Your Life Podcast
The Challenge of Prioritizing Exercise to Reap the Benefits
Why don’t we start by discussing my journey and challenges when it comes to prioritizing working out!
It’s a common topic, isn’t it? Everywhere you look, people are talking about the importance of exercise and staying healthy. I ran marathons, was a cheerleader, and even participated in track and cross country during my school years.
I’ve always loved physical challenges like lifting weights, rock climbing, kayaking, snowboarding, and hiking. It’s been a part of my life forever.
Shifting Priorities with Motherhood
But life changes when you become a mom. Suddenly, you’re juggling taking care of your kids, maintaining your home, managing schedules, and earning a living.
Whether you work from home or have a corporate job, it’s tough. Each time I had a child, I vowed to be in the best shape before pregnancy. I didn’t want to lose myself during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum, especially physically. But now that I’m done having kids, my motivation had to shift.
No matter where you are on your fitness journey, whether you’ve been athletic or not, it doesn’t matter. There comes a point in life when going to the gym becomes the last thing on your mind. During the pandemic, I had to figure out how to maintain my fitness at home.
The Joy of Physical Activity: Unlocking Exercise Benefits
I’ve explored various workouts, from Pilates to hot yoga, high-intensity interval training, group classes, and personal training. I just love pushing my body; it’s rewarding and incredible. I found a great option, and for those who follow me on Instagram, you know I’m now into CrossFit, even though I was skeptical for a long time!
Balancing Act: Reclaiming Time and Maximizing Exercise Benefits
However, there came a point where I hadn’t worked out for nearly a year. It was disheartening. There always seemed to be something else to do, especially when I had work commitments. I found myself having a constant internal debate: workout and lose work time, or skip the gym and gain two hours of work.
I understand the conversations you’re having with yourself – not wanting to wake up early, feeling exhausted by the end of the day, and finding it challenging to work out with kids around.
Overcoming Excuses
At some point, we need to stop making excuses. The lack of time can be just that – an excuse. We must prioritize what truly matters.
Now, I want to share how I’ve gained back actual minutes in my life. I’m a meticulous time tracker, down to 15-minute increments. I realized that there had to be a trade-off, something worth it on both micro and macro levels.
For me, the decision to commit to exercise had many factors, but what truly amazed me was what happened to my time. It’s still a constant conversation with myself, but there was a moment of realization – exercise wasn’t consuming my time; it was giving it back. If you’re struggling with a lack of time in your day, keep reading!
Start Slow and Grow: Experiencing the Gradual Exercise Benefits
Let’s dive into my fitness journey and the specific changes I experienced when I started working out more regularly. At first, I faced the challenge of soreness, but as I pushed through it, the benefits started to emerge.
I want to emphasize that this episode isn’t about advocating for any particular workout regimen. It’s about my commitment to CrossFit and the journey I’ve been on.
However, it’s essential to note that I’ve been dabbling in fitness for many years. Starting slowly is crucial! You don’t need to make drastic changes in your life right away. Begin at your own pace and let your fitness routine evolve with you. It’s perfectly okay to ease into it.
I currently go to the gym three days a week, and that’s a balance that works for me. Sometimes life requires adjustments, and that’s okay. I’ll share how I manage my workout frequency while maintaining my other commitments.
The Trade-Off: Time Investment vs. Exercise Benefits
Now, here’s the hard facts, you are going to feel better! You are at some point going to look better. Your insides are going to look better even though you can’t see them. The health benefits of working out should take you over the edge alone but for so many of us that’s not enough.
It’s common to think that you’re giving up hours when you work out. But, consider this: the time you spend working out can make you more productive in other areas of your life. We’ll explore how this trade-off can benefit you in the long run.
Exercise Benefit #1: A Shift in Nutritional Priorities
Exercise tends to make us more conscious of our nutrition choices. You’re less likely to indulge in unhealthy eating habits after a workout.
Okay, the occasional cookie, maybe, but after a workout you normally don’t want to down a super greasy pizza and have your healthy choices go by the wayside. By being more conscious, you are more likely to meal prep healthy options. This not only saves you time in the kitchen, but money too!
Exercise Benefit #2: Improved Sleep
Let’s dive into the second undeniable benefit of consistent exercise: better sleep. It’s not just a claim; it’s backed by science. When you engage in regular exercise, especially if it involves vigorous activities that get your heart rate up, you’re setting the stage for better sleep.
Better sleep not only leaves you feeling more refreshed but also energizes your day. Combined with the increased energy levels from working out, you’ll find yourself moving through your day more efficiently, leading to enhanced productivity.
Exercise Benefit #3: Physical Strength
In this section, we’ll explore how regular exercise, regardless of the type, can significantly enhance your physical strength and its profound impact on your daily life.
When it comes to working out, it doesn’t matter what form of exercise you choose. The key takeaway here is that you’ll become physically stronger. This transformation can be monumental, as it was for me.
One noticeable change I experienced was a remarkable improvement in my ability to navigate my own home. Tasks that used to be a hassle, like going up and down the stairs, became more manageable.
Tackling Life’s Demands with Ease
Increased physical strength can lead to greater efficiency in your daily tasks, making life more manageable and enjoyable. Committing to a sedentary lifestyle can lead to a negative spiral, making physical tasks increasingly difficult and uncomfortable.
Improving your physical strength not only makes tasks easier but also fosters independence. You’ll find yourself relying less on others!
Exercise Benefit #4: Enhanced Time Management
Regular workouts can significantly boost your discipline and time management skills! Honestly, this has been so true for me. Just by working out, it can make you more efficient in every aspect of your life.
When you integrate regular workouts into your schedule, it becomes a commitment you can’t easily skip. If your gym session is non-negotiable, it forces you to allocate a specific time block for exercise. This commitment becomes a part of your daily schedule. You’re more likely to structure your day efficiently, ensuring that all tasks and responsibilities are accomplished to clear the path for your workout.
Maximizing the Value of Your Gym Membership
Every gym-goer understands the value of their membership fee. Knowing that you’ve invested in your fitness journey encourages you to make the most of each workout. When your gym time is a fixed part of your schedule, you become intentional about how you utilize that time.
You don’t want your gym visits to be wasted. This intentionality extends to your entire day. You apply the same principle of maximizing value to your other activities and responsibilities. This approach ensures that every minute you spend at the gym is well-spent, contributing to your fitness progress!
Exercise Benefit #5: Unleashing Inner Drive and Confidence
In this final section, we’ll explore a transformation you might have underestimated: the difference in your motivation, confidence, and determination that comes with regular exercise. This shift in mindset can revolutionize your daily life!
Unleashing Inner Drive
When you commit to exercise, you unlock a fountain of motivation and drive within yourself. Suddenly, you find yourself eager to conquer each day, tackle your goals, and embrace challenges with renewed enthusiasm. This inner drive acts as a powerful catalyst for getting things done efficiently.
Aside from motivation, exercise has a remarkable impact on your self-confidence. As you witness your physical progress and the challenges you conquer during workouts, your confidence soars. This newfound self-assuredness radiates into all aspects of your life, from personal relationships to the work that you do each day.
Reducing Distractions
Surprisingly, regular exercise can also help reduce distractions in your daily routine. The pull of endless Instagram scrolling, idle daydreaming, or the feeling of being easily bored fades away. This phenomenon isn’t mere coincidence; it’s backed by science. Exercise triggers a release of endorphins and neurotransmitters that enhance focus and reduce restlessness!
The Lifelong Transformation of Exercise Benefits
The motivation and determination you gain from exercise serve as a springboard for productivity. Tasks that once seemed daunting become achievable goals. You’ll find yourself approaching your schedule with a sense of purpose and a drive to excel in all that you do. It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about reclaiming your time, enhancing your well-being, and achieving a greater sense of purpose and productivity.
“It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about reclaiming your time, enhancing your well-being, and achieving a greater sense of purpose and productivity.”
The sense of accomplishment you experience after a challenging workout carries over into everything you do for the rest of the day. This positive energy stays with you, providing a boost to your productivity and overall well-being. Even on challenging days, you can tap into this feeling of determination to stay on track!
Conclusion: Prioritizing Exercise and Experiencing the Benefits
In the grand scheme of life, where are you currently lacking confidence, drive, and determination? Could it be as simple as committing to regular exercise to effect a positive change in these areas? Exercise can offer a tangible path to building a more fulfilling and balanced life.
In closing, I hope this journey through my experience with exercise has inspired you to reevaluate its role in your life. Now, it’s time to harness the incredible exercise benefits and incorporate them into your daily routine. Share your progress and experiences with our vibrant community on Facebook. Why don’t we stand together as a source of motivation and encouragement on this transformative journey.
Put those excuses aside and start your own exercise journey today!
Looking to Learn More About Health and Fitness?
First of all, if you are wanting to know more about how to prioritize fitness as a busy mom, this blog post goes over an easy-to-follow system that you can start today to make it happen! If you are still stuck in the process of starting to take care of yourself instead of only the people around you, the blog post, Taking Care of Your Health as a Mom is Important – The First Three Steps You Need, is a great starting place!
Also, don’t forget to ask for help or guidance within our supportive Facebook community!
Thank you for embarking on this journey to uncover the incredible benefits of exercise for productivity. I’m excited to see how these insights will positively impact your life!
As you begin integrating exercise into your routine and experience the remarkable changes it can bring, remember that I’m here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need more guidance, please feel free to reach out and connect with me! Your path to improved productivity and well-being is just beginning, and I’m here to help you make the most of it!
Frequently Asked Questions
This all sounds great, but how do I get handle on my schedule to actually make the time to exercise?
We all want more time in our busy lives! To make the most of it, it’s so important to prioritize your Fundamental Needs and implement the 5-Block Time Management System. These foundational steps are key to set the stage for positive change, ultimately helping you reclaim valuable time!
If you’re looking to expedite your journey towards your goals and create more time for what truly matters, like exercise, consider investing in yourself – because you are truly valuable. Explore the opportunities available in the Systemize Your Life Academy, where you can find the tools and support you need to optimize your productivity and achieve your desired outcomes
