If you’ve muttered these in exasperation, then read on for my guide to time saving workouts, exercising on a budget, and maintaining your motivation for fitness!

If you’d like to slim down and get fit – but you’re struggling to fit exercise into your manic schedule, you lack motivation, or you’re unwilling to pay expensive gym membership fees – then all is not lost! There are plenty of ways to get motivated to get fit fast without breaking the bank or visiting a gym – and also many ways to fit exercise into your busy life.

Time saving exercise ideas

The scourge of modern-day living is that we never seem to have enough time for anything! Unfortunately, very often it’s exercise that gets sidelined in favour of other things, like watching TV, because ‘we’re just too busy’.

However, in 20 years you won’t remember any of the programmes you’re watching, but you’ll be grateful for your strong and healthy body. Try the following time saving ideas that’ll make it easier to make exercise part of your life - and most importantly, to keep it there:

Superset. If you like working out with weights, then you’ll enjoy super-setting. This technique is a great time-saver and, if used correctly, can cut your exercise time by half while still giving you the same results!
Kick-start your day. A few times a week, try setting your alarm clock a little earlier so that you can squeeze in quick early morning jog or swim. Part of your kick-start for the day should also be a healthy breakfast, so why not try Special K as your breakfast option this week.!
Miss the soaps. Many people claim to have no time for a workout, yet they regularly watch the TV soap operas. Missing the odd episode will free up an hour or two for you to exercise – and chances are, you wouldn’t have missed much!

Working out on a budget

A monthly gym membership, the latest exercise gear and fitness gadgets may be great to have – but they’re not essential to keeping fit. Try these cheap – and some free – ways of keeping fit! Go al fresco. The great outdoors is the world’s biggest open-air gym. Whether it’s a walk, a jog or some bodyweight exercises in your local park or back garden, exercising outside is fun, invigorating and – most importantly – free!!
The home workout. If you want to work on your flexibility and tone up, then by acquiring a few basic items of equipment you can get gym results in the comfort of your own home – and at a time that suits you!

Maintaining motivation

‘Exercise is boring’ and ‘I’m fed up with my workout’ are just two common complaints from people who struggle with their motivation to keep exercising. Maintaining focus isn’t easy but continuity is vital to getting fit and staying that way. Try out these top strategies for keeping your eye on the ball:

New, new, new. Don’t get stuck in a rut with the same old boring exercise routine. Sticking to the same routine over a long period of time robs you of motivation and results! So, why not step try out a new activity, exercise class or experience?!
Make a date. Make an arrangement with a friend to meet them and go walking / jogging / running together. The benefit of exercising with someone is that there’s less of a chance you’ll duck out of your exercise session.

No more excuses...

If you really want to achieve something, you’ll make the necessary sacrifices. But go easy on yourself and choose activities that you enjoy so that you’ll want to continue with them. Schedule exercise in your diary so that you make time for it and take it seriously. Also, set targets and stick to them – there’s nothing like seeing the weight melt off and feeling healthier to keep you motivated.!
So, now that we’ve dealt with your excuses, go out there and get the body you deserve.