Adding Regular Exercise to your Schedule!
Have you given some thought as to why you move your body? More specifically, as to why you try to plan for time to work out in your busy schedule? Oftentimes, knowing your why will help you stay motivated, especially if it’s linked to yourself and a desire to make a healthy change in your lifestyle.
As a professional dancer I always made sure to schedule workouts outside of rehearsal time to maintain muscle balance and clear my mind. Carving out an hour in the day for yourself is so important. Freeing the mind from the outside noise, whether it be from work or the daily stresses of life, positively contributes to overall health and happiness.
It comes down to planning when to work out and working out when you planned; if it’s scheduled-in you have more chances of sticking with it. In one of the weekly posts on social media, I talked about establishing SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely—it’s important to look at our goals in a realistic manner and set milestones that are achievable and sustainable. That’s why I use the SMART model when setting FIT goals—any goals related to achieving a healthy mind, body and soul.
Keeping that same perspective in mind, you can view scheduling your workouts as part of the roadmap to your fitness journey’s success. For example, if you have a goal to lose weight or gain muscle mass, there are a certain number of changes to your nutrition required and you’ll need to be sure you’re getting the right number of workouts in. If you schedule when you work out, you have a better chance if sticking with it and seeing results, which will encourage you to keep going.
For most of us, having a day job means sitting in front of a computer screen for most of the day or standing for long periods of time; both of which cause strains on the body and can result in feeling stiff, having a bad back, sore shoulders and neck pain. Our bodies aren’t made to sit or statically stand for long periods of time. By choosing to workout with the assistance of a professional you ensure that the exercises you do will be done correctly to maximize the benefits of each move. Also, a certified coach will be able to offer modifications to account for the key areas you need to strengthen or if you have a past or current injury.
Although it might not be easy when starting off, the more you exercise the more you will want to keep going; exercise that gets your heart pumping releases endorphins in your body and promotes happiness. Overall, you might start exercising and stick to it if it’s part of your schedule and with time regular exercise will enhance your mood and you’ll have a happy association; it’s always easier to do things that bring us joy. Don’t forget that exercising can take on different forms. For my Warriors, that sometimes means doing yoga outside on a Sunday or doing a high intensity cardio workout with Piloxing SSP and Piloxing Barre classes or taking what seems like a tamed workout but is actually physically challenging for all muscles of your body—BARRE 45 or 60. You just have to find what works for you and ideally have a variety. With online workouts you can switch up the frequency with ease as you save time on commute and you can change where you work out to fit how you’re feeling, most workouts can be done anywhere.
Do you ever just feel a bit meh? Like you don’t have enough energy to do all the things that need to get done in a day? Well regular exercise, and let’s be honest we do it if there’s a commitment tied to it, will help with that! For starters, it will improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance, which in turn will make doing daily tasks much easier and leave you with more energy. So, you exercise regularly for your health and as an added bonus you get more energy, better sleep time and will feel fulfilled; there’s just this lasting feeling after a great workout and knowing you belong to a community that contributes to feelings of gratitude and happiness. Plus, when you exercise with a community of like minded people, you’ll feel more motivated. Even online workouts can be a social activity, you get to chat before and after class, and through private Facebook groups, while also carving out that 45- or 60-minute workout time for yourself where you dedicate the time to mindfulness.
If you want to get started in your journey, accountability and support are some of your best tools while you work to make exercise a regular part of your weekly schedule.
Fitness has always been a part of my life; I was put in ballet at the age of two, took on track and field in high school in addition to dance classes and even through University I kept up with the demands of my studies, ballet classes and performances, and undertook other exercise routines. I’ve always felt an exercise routine outside of dance was important. It got me through tough times. For example, whenever I felt stressed about an upcoming performance, I’d workout, even when I was recovering from injuries I still managed to work out to help recuperate; I did Barre or Yin or Restorative yoga. It definitely made me stronger overall, as a dancer and in my day to day life.
So, it comes down to the idea that having a regular exercise schedule will benefit you the most because it helps keep you accountable and we have a better tendency of doing something if we have it written in our schedule or booked a class in advance. At Barre Fit Warriors, my clients can book up to 21 days in advance and receive a reminder email 30 minutes before the class start time and an additional one 15-minute prior with the Zoom link to join the class. It’s super simple, they only need to click the link to be admitted in. Having a process that’s effective to book and to access classes I find helps clients stay committed. More so, by having your online workouts be in real-time, you are in a safer environment as you benefit from someone’s expertise and experience to maximize your results while limiting the chances of injury. Currently, with Barre Fit Warriors, all classes are adaptable and given in real-time so I’m able to offer feedback, modifications and support throughout class. Together we go through routines that work every inch of your body.
Work towards becoming the best version of you while you challenge yourself! It can take time for you to look forward to your exercise routine, but you will get there; it helps if you have a support system and tangible commitment to keep you coming back even on days where motivation may be low. Once regular exercise is a habit and you’re disciplined in your schedule it becomes easy, and you’ll reap the benefits of all that hard work. So don’t give up and if you need support feel free to join the Barre Fit Warriors community; I’ll help you keep that momentum and motivation going. You can also follow BFW on social media for daily holistic wellness tips and motivation. Together we are stronger!
You’re on your way to doing great things, remember to be proud of yourself along the way.
Regular exercise not only help you get fit and healthy, it also helps your mind, reduces stress, helping you feel better. Thanks!
Hi Widalys,
Yes it really does! Thank you for sharing.
I need to work on my fitness. Once I had a really good fitness schedule but now, it’s not as before.
Hi Fransic,
It can be daunting to get back into the swing of things. I get that! You need a good support system to keep you motivated. If you’ve never tried a Bare Fitness class you should give it a try. All classes are online and live at BFW. You make the choice if you want to be seen, plus its convenient. (from the comfort of your home) I guide you through fun workouts and make sure you get that personal attention. If you have any questions email me: online@barrefitwarriors.com
I used to be a dancer before my college days, and regular movement and exercising was part of my daily routine, but I never got back into it. I have to agree that making exercise a regular part of my schedule is hard work and it requires consistency, but it is something that I would like to challenge myself to do more this year. Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Vizanne,
Thank you for sharing. If you loved dancing in college you are sure to love Barre fitness classes at Barre Fit Warriors. Have you ever tried a Barre class? It’s low impact and a fantastic workout! You should give it a try. Once you get back into the groove you won’t look any further. Hope to see you soon.
Movement is SO important and it really changes everything! Keeping body and mind healthy 😉
Hi Nicolle,
It certainly is!! Love to see you in class.
I need to be better about this. I just ordered an aerobic step platform, so my goal is to start moving more. Thank you for sharing this!
Hi Meghan,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. You should come a try a Piloxing SSP or Piloxing Barre class with me if cardio is your prefered exercise regime. We have a blast!!
Consistency is so important to maintain your health both physically, mentally, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I really appreciate your tips in incorporating movement as often as possible. Thank you for sharing. 😊
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment )
Letstakeamoment.com
Hi Pastor Natalie,
I’m so glad you are enjoying the BFW Blogs. If you are looking to join a fantastic fitness community come join us for a class. You are guaranteed to have an awesome time and you will work hard. Hope to see you soon.
I love this article! You’ve gone over the benefits of exercise in such detail and I agree with each of them. I’m a huge advocate for exercise, and can definitely relate to what you are saying about having so much more energy to get things done throughout the day after a good workout. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Stephanie,
Happy to hear you enjoyed the read. BFW is a great community! We have a ton of fun in class. Check out the schedule above. Hope to see you soon.
Currently I’m in the space of establishing my fitness habits! One things for sure though it has made me feel better stronger, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Thanks for this post.
Hello Nicole,
This article has made me think about why I want to get back into an exercise routine, after being unwell for a few weeks (I had bronchitis, which totally drained my energy).
I love doing Zumba classes, swimming, and doing weight training at my gym. But I’ve been reluctant to go since I recovered from my chest infection, as we have just had our biggest covid outbreak here in New Zealand.
Things are settling down now, so I’m keen to get back to my routine.
I find that exercise is the first thing to go from my schedule when anything out of the ordinary happens!
Hi Pipa,
You should try an online class if you are still uncomfortable going into a studio. I get it, it can be so frustrating trying to get back into the groove but you got this. You will feel so much better when you start! Make yourself a priority.
Thanks for this post! It makes me think of when I was starting to run and something I read said “you have to burn energy to build energy “ and 25+ years later I still think of this when I feel unmotivated.
So true!!!
Working out has not only helped me lose baby fat but also helped me mentally. I feel more positive about life after a workout.thanks for this
as an always overwhelmed founder with no time to exercise, I want to advice all young people not to skip a week without excerise.
I used to love exercising but these days I only do it to reduce stress and fighting to stay away from obesity
Good you are sticking with it. Great advise!