How to Make Time for the Gym

March 19, 2017
IN Wellness

Being in the right mindset to get to the gym, break a sweat, and work on your overall health can be a big mindset shift. Then add the idea of making time for the gym on top of everything else can be seriously intimidating. I’ve tried several different gyms and different routines, and though it’s taken four years, I can confidently say that I feel like I’ve cracked the gym/work/life balance code.

There’s more to it than finding the right gym or the right shoes, that much I can tell you for sure, regardless of your pitfalls. I’m breaking down my four big tips for bringing the gym into your regular routine without taking more time out of your day than you need for your workout.

Find the Right Gym

You don’t need to spend a ton to get the right gym membership, there will always be gyms of a higher caliber that have more “stuff” but do you need that stuff? Likely not. This choice will be the foundation for the rest of your gym-going success, so listen up.

Gym Amenities to Consider

Towel service – can you bring your own? You need/want this if you like to swim.
Shower amenities – travel containers may be cheap but they’re not always convenient. Think of the extra weight that will add to your bag (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) on top of any hair spray, leave in conditioners, etc. if a gym has towel service that usually includes shower amenities so check those out before committing, you may find that they are a ‘need’ for your convenience.
Steam room/sauna/whirlpool – like to cook a little more after your workout? There are definitely times where all I want is to stick my worked out muscles in the hot tub at my gym and let the jets do the massaging…it’s a ‘need’ for me going forward.
Pool – like to swim or take water aerobics classes? Might be a need, assess how much you think you’ll use it.
Food/juice bar – these typically cost additional money anyways so I don’t recommend making it a need, there’s usually a relatively close stop for your refueling needs (or pack your protein from home).
Lockers and locks – Lockers existing in gyms are pretty much standard (in my experience) so that’s probably not a good sign if the gym doesn’t have any! However, do you own a combination lock? Would you prefer to use a card? Or a built-in number lock system? I’ve tried all three and my preference is the built-in number lock: you don’t have to buy and tote a combination lock and you don’t have to figure out how to store your membership card during your workout. The lock situation shouldn’t be a deal breaker, just breaking down what I’ve seen.

Knowing what is a need vs. a want will help you narrow down those overly exotic and too-bare-minimum facilities.

Have the Right Equipment for Your Entire Day

The right tools are the key to almost any daunting task.

“No strainer? Guess I can’t make that pasta..better just order GrubHub…” Sound familiar? Here are some things in my arsenal that save me on the daily:

Have the Right Gym Bag

My new one has a laptop sleeve and that’s HUGE. I bought my old one before my work issued laptops so it wasn’t very convenient if I needed to tote my work computer. Problem = solved. Plus, I made sure this one had plenty of pockets for the necessities.

Pack Travel-Sized Makeup and Toiletries

I wasn’t keen on having doubles of makeup but it is an investment that has proved to be absolutely worth my sanity. Not having to move items from the bathroom to my bag and back again day after day, risking missing something, has been a life saver.

Can’t justify buying duplicates? For some of my makeup, me either. Instead, I packed some Birchbox samples that are just as effective if you’re not overly particular. Mascara? Almost all the same in a pinch, if we’re being honest.

Have a Water Bottle

I say ‘plan’ because you don’t need a reusable one, but you shouldn’t use a disposable one over and over. I have a glass one that I love and it helps to keep my water colder longer during volleyball and swimming, but sometimes I don’t have time to find it, or it’s dirty, so I grab a Kirkland single-use bottle. You can definitely refill it a few times during your gym trip but be sure to recycle it on your way out, it’s not a good idea to keep refilling those flimsy plastic ones.

Edit: This HydroMATE water bottle is an incredibly popular one on Amazon that got a lot of people through the 2020 pandemic. It has over 10,000 reviews and comes in more than 10 colors. Sharing it here in case you’re seeking a recommendation!

Make Time for the Gym by Meal Planning

This is a real big one. Think about your week’s meals in advance. Sunday night seems to be a popular time that people prep, being at the forefront of your workweek.

I’m inclined to prep meals all weekend depending on when I’m making certain things. An example being my zoodles. If I have the spiralizer out already why wouldn’t I just slice up 2-3 meals-worth of zucchini at once? Then, midweek I’m halfway to eating already. Same goes for chopping veggies, especially onions (who wants to cut onions three times a week, no thanks). I chop up extra and store it in a smaller container, tossing it into meals all week.

It’s hard to anticipate what you’ll want to eat all week, so instead just think about “will I need this again soon?” anytime you’re cooking. Or, “can I chop these peppers now and store them? Will this leftover breakfast skillet keep for a few days to bring to work on Monday and Tuesday?” Great, put them in individual containers now instead of scrambling in the morning. Get food ready while you’re already prepping or cooking it so you’re not doubling your efforts and energy.

This approach is also advantageous if you are trying to adhere to a specific diet so that you don’t leave room for temptation to eat poorly creep up once the hanger kicks in.

Quick Meal Ideas

Easy-to-prep breakfast skillets
Breakfast meal prep ideas for the road
Pre-spiralize your zoodles and store in Tupperware
Fresh seafood doesn’t have to be out of the question either
10-minute rice sides will complete a nice, healthy dinner

Schedule Gym Time Realistically

Have before or after work commitments? Does your schedule change constantly? You’re not alone. In fact, you may be in the majority in this working day and age, don’t worry. Similar to meal planning I recommend mapping out the time slots you’re unable to hit the gym and prioritize the gym for those spots that you can.

Coordinate Schedules with Your Roommate

Whether it’s a spouse, friend or random, sometimes you can’t take a gym trip with your roomie because someone has to take care of pets, children or let the maintenance guy in. Don’t let that be an excuse. You’ll only be more empowered by getting there, working up a sweat and getting back solo. Make sure no matter what needs to be taken care of, you coordinate in advance so you don’t end up having to miss the gym last minute.

Make Time for the Gym, Even on Your Busy Day

Either pack accordingly or switch your AM gym day. This happens to me a lot and I try to save hard morning workouts or swimming for days where I won’t be client-facing so if I use a Pinterest-inspired wet bun afterwards it isn’t a big deal. Also: dry shampoo for gym-to-work hair fixes. Especially the Birchbox sample sizes I mentioned above.

Happy Hour and the Gym

If you don’t mind leaving your bag overnight (or over the weekend) you can still break a morning sweat, just leave your bag in your desk/locker/drawer, etc. Having a plan is half the battle. Know how long you’ll be without certain items, and if that’s okay, if you won’t be in office the next day.

Planning for Group Fitness Classes

If your schedule is shifty I don’t recommend advance sign-up classes, especially if there’s a fine or consequence for not being able to show. Some gyms will charge your card, plus it just looks bad on your part. If you’re a regular you’re going to have to live with the guilt from bailing next time you walk in.

How do you get to the gym? Share your game changers below and tag us on social media!

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