How to Stay Motivated When Life Gets Busy

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to stay motivated with your fitness routine when life gets busy. Between work, family, and everything else that demands our attention, it’s easy to let our workouts slip to the bottom of the priority list. But here’s the thing—those are the times when staying active is more important than ever. So, today I want to share some tips and tricks that have helped me stay on track, even when life gets hectic.

Remember Your "Why"

When life gets crazy, it’s easy to lose sight of why we started our fitness journey in the first place. For me, fitness has always been more than just physical—it’s a way to clear my mind, reduce stress, and keep my spirit strong. On those days when I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself of why I work out and how much better I feel afterward. Whether your "why" is to feel healthier, manage stress, or simply have more energy to tackle your day, keeping that in mind can help you stay motivated when the going gets tough.

Make a Plan, But Be Flexible

I’m a big believer in planning. Having a set schedule for your workouts can make a huge difference in staying consistent, especially when you’re juggling a lot of responsibilities. At the start of each week, I like to take a few minutes to plan out my workouts. I block off time in my calendar, just like I would for any other important appointment.

That said, life happens, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Maybe a meeting runs late, or you have to deal with an unexpected situation at home. When that happens, it’s important to be flexible. If you can’t fit in your full workout, don’t beat yourself up—do what you can, even if it’s just a quick 10-minute session. Something is always better than nothing, and maintaining the habit is key.

Embrace Shorter Workouts

When time is tight, shorter workouts can be a lifesaver. You don’t need to spend hours in the gym to see results. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is one of my favorite ways to get in a quick, effective workout. A 20-minute HIIT session can burn serious calories and give you a great cardio boost, all while fitting into a busy schedule.

Even if HIIT isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to squeeze in a workout. A brisk walk during your lunch break, a quick yoga session in the morning, or even a few strength exercises while you’re watching TV can help you stay active. The key is to keep moving, even if it’s in small increments.

Find an Friend

When life gets hectic, it’s easy to make excuses to skip your workout. That’s where having an accountability buddy comes in handy. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even a coworker, having someone to check in with can keep you motivated and on track.

I’ve found that when I know someone is counting on me to show up for a workout, I’m much less likely to skip it. Plus, working out with a buddy can make the time fly by and add a fun social aspect to your routine. If you can’t meet in person, consider virtual check-ins or even sharing your progress on social media for that extra layer of accountability.

Keep Your Workout Gear Handy

One of the easiest ways to make sure you get your workout in is to keep your gear handy. I like to keep a set of workout clothes and a pair of sneakers in my car or at work, so I’m always ready to go, no matter where I am. This way, if I have some unexpected free time, I can sneak in a workout without any excuses.

Another trick is to lay out your workout clothes the night before. When you wake up in the morning, seeing your gear ready to go can be the nudge you need to get moving, even on the busiest of days.

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Let’s be real—there are going to be days when life just gets in the way, and you miss a workout. It happens to all of us, and that’s okay. What’s important is not to let one missed workout turn into a downward spiral of giving up on your routine altogether.

Instead of dwelling on what you didn’t do, focus on what you can do next. Maybe you missed today’s workout, but you can plan to get back on track tomorrow. Being kind to yourself and staying positive is crucial for long-term success.

Celebrate the Small Wins

When life is hectic, it’s easy to overlook the progress you’re making. But those small wins—like fitting in a quick workout, choosing a healthy snack, or even just taking a few deep breaths when you’re stressed—deserve to be celebrated.

Take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished, no matter how small it may seem. These little victories add up over time and can keep you motivated to keep going, even when things get tough.

Final Thoughts: Keep Moving Forward

Staying motivated when life gets busy is all about finding what works for you and being flexible enough to adapt when things don’t go as planned. Remember your "why," make a plan, embrace shorter workouts, find an accountability buddy, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Every effort counts, and staying consistent, even in small ways, will keep you moving forward on your fitness journey.

Don’t forget to check out my Class Schedule for all the latest locations and times—I’d love to see you in class! And if you’re curious about any of my go-to products or recommendations, head over to the My Favorites page where I answer all your most frequently asked questions about what I use and love. Until next time...

...stay happy and healthy!