How to Make Time For the Gym With a Full Time Job

Trying to make time for the gym with a full time job is difficult, let alone trying to make time for your general health with a full time job. However, making time for the important things in life, like your health, is worth it. It is hard, but with some persistence and a good schedule, you can make it work!

Here are 7 of my top tips for making time for the gym with a full time job!

1) Find workouts that you can stick with consistently.

Finding workouts that you enjoy or do not mind doing is important because it makes it easier to stick to the gym with a full schedule. For example, I found that I enjoy weightlifting a lot more than cardio workouts, so I have been able to stick to this particular workout routine for many years. I still do cardio workouts regularly, but it is easier for me to hit the weights more often than the treadmill.

If you work best with workout classes, incorporate them more into your schedule! If weights work for you, do that. Find what you enjoy in the gym, and you will find that your consistency will skyrocket.

2) Pick a schedule that works for you, not one that you are forcing to work.

Finding a schedule that works for you will make it easier to get in the gym with a full time job. It is really popular to workout in the early morning before the workday. But, if that doesn’t work for you, don’t do it.

The key to consistency is finding a routine that won’t overwhelm you. Find something that you enjoy (or can tolerate), and stick with it. You can stay healthy without overworking yourself. You deserve days to rest!

Check out this post for my morning routine tips for a busy schedule!

I found that a 3-4 day routine is the best for my packed law school schedule, which resembles a full-time job schedule right now (honestly it is WAY more than that). When I worked a full-time job before starting law school, I tried other workout routines that just that didn’t work as well as this one does for me (I was going like 5-6 days a week). Going to the gym 3-4 times a week is enough for me to rest and recover while still feeling accomplished. Usually, I go twice during the work week and twice during the weekend.

It is all about finding what is best for you in this phase of life. If you can only get to the gym twice a week, that is ok! Staying consistent each week and actually going to the gym is what really matters.

Here are some low-dedication workout schedules that I recommend starting out with:

– Two-day workout schedule examples

1. Day one: upper body weights; day two: lower body weights
2. Day one: full body weights; day two: full body weights
3. Day one: workout class; day two: workout class

– Three-day workout schedule examples

1. Day one: upper body weights; day two: lower body weights; day three: full body
2. Day one: upper body weights; day two: lower body weights; day three: cardio machines
3. Day one: cardio machines; day two: workout class; day three: full body weights

– Four-day workout schedule examples

1. Day one: upper body weights; day two: lower body weights; day three: upper body weights; day four: lower body weights
2. Day one: upper body weights; day two: lower body weights; day three: cardio machines; day four: workout class
3. Day one: full body weights; day two: workout class; day three: full body weights; day four: workout class

3) Walking can be done at any time, anywhere, for however long you want.

When in doubt, you can always go out and take a walk! Any activity you can get in the week is important. I like to mix in walking throughout the week with my regular gym workouts. I also tend to walk a lot during the crazy busy weeks when I can’t get to the gym as much.

Hit the stairs at your office for a few minutes. Walk around the building (inside or outside) during your breaks. Everything, even the small stuff, counts!

4) Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Give yourself enough time to work up to a more active lifestyle. Sticking to a gym schedule can be difficult to get used to! Don’t push yourself to get in the gym 6-7 days a week straight out of the gate. Try for 3 or 4 days at first, and if you really enjoy it, you can push for more. Sticking to a gym routine is all about striking a healthy balance in your busy life and being reasonable with yourself.

Sticking to the same workouts can be helpful for consistency, but mixing it up can also help you when it becomes difficult to get in the gym. Discover new classes or find a new routine. Here are just a few workout ideas to add into your routines:

1. Swimming
2. Zumba
3. Pilates
4. Boxing
5. Cycling
6. HIIT
7. Weight lifting
8. Yoga

7) Rest is just as important as the workouts.

Remember, pushing yourself is important, but rest is just as important. This will help you stay consistent during the busy weeks and help your recovery between workouts. You are likely working a busy schedule and deserve some rest. Space out your workouts throughout the week. Get some extra sleep. Stretch and relax. Push yourself, but remember rest is crucial!