Time management is something every student tries to master, and when you're trying to keep fit on top of that it can definitely be a challenge!
I'm not saying I'm a master by any stretch of the imagination, I have a lot of things I can work on. I do have a few of my favourite tips for how to fit your workouts into your day.
Training consistently
Training consistently is something we make a mistake with quite often. When we start a new fitness regime, we often make the mistake of launching into it hard and furiously going every day... Then after three days you're sore, exhausted and don't want to go back! Just like anything, you aren't going to be able to keep this up without burning out if you haven't eased into it. Start small, set yourself a goal of going three times the first week, say Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 30 minutes ( or however long your program takes you). After you've done that for two weeks, maybe add a weekend session as well, and stick to your routine. For most people, this amount of gym time is going to make a significant difference to your health and fitness. Once you make your gym time a habit, you're going to find it much easier to get off the couch and fit the gym into your schedule.
Fitness classes
I don't personally go to that many fitness classes, I usually prefer to work out in the gym, but I have tried a few of the classes my gym Les Mills offers and know if you don't want a trainer or prefer to train in a group, these fitness classes will suit you. Try a few out, pick a class you like and make a habit of going at the same time every week. You'll find after a few weeks you'll definitely miss it if you can't make it and you'll be looking forward to it even more next time. Les Mills does lunchtime express classes, so if you're fitting your workouts into your break or between classes these are a good option.
Mornings are good ( for some people)
Now I'm not an extremely big fan of training in the morning. I can understand the concept, and the times I do get up and train earlier I don't regret it. But I find that most of the time my brain and body prefers a reasonable wake up time.
If you are inclined toward early mornings, use this time to fit in a gym session, walk or jog and make the most of it. Whether you do this fasted or not is up to you, I hate running on a full stomach but can't lift as well on an empty one so it really depends on how you feel and whose advice you take
Lunchtimes
I like training in my lunch break. I know that makes me odd, but I find the gym really relaxing and makes me feel good, so I almost always train at lunchtime. A lot of others feel the same so if I can take my break a little earlier or little later then midday, I try do that to avoid the rush. I also remember to bring protein with me if I'm lifting at lunchtime and eat straight afterwards.
Evening/night
A lot of people to to the gym straight after work. I find this a little tiring and prefer to go home and relax first before hitting the gym. My gym is quite crowded in the early evening and I don't like spending my gym time waiting for machines or racks. I usually do my evening session after 7.30, sometimes as late as 9.30, because I'm lucky and my gym closes at 10.30 pm. I find I lift better after I've eaten and I've had time to relax at home.
Weekends
Weekends are tricky. I find if I leave my cardio session too late in the morning I've only just got home and it's time to go back again. Early morning on the weekend you are going to run into fewer people, but also you miss out on the much awaited sleep in! However I love training in the late afternoon/ early evening on the weekend. I like the luxury of having time when I train, especially training heavy! It's pretty quiet and while you might be a little late for your friend's party, you'll have been able to dodge the crowds.
Splitting up weight training and cardio
I find if I try and do cardio before or after a weight training I'll feel like I've been at the gym for hours and hours. This why I usually split my weight sessions and cardio sessions. It means I'm in the gym more often, but I get better quality sessions and if don't feel like going to the gym is a huge event I have to meticulously plan. Now most trainers advise against reading or doing something while you're doing your cardio. It can be distracting and mean you're not getting the full benefit of your workout. But, if you're pushed for time, take your textbook and read while you cycle or on the stepper.
Studying and cardio go quite well together for me!
Only 12 days till my first exam, so I'm going to push myself hard in the next two weeks :) Good luck to everyone who is sitting exams, I hope you all do really well!
xox AJ xox
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