How to Stay Consistent at the Gym when Your Schedule Changes

Life is full of changes, and sometimes these changes can disrupt our carefully crafted routines - including our gym habits. Whether it's a new job, a move, or shifting family responsibilities, maintaining your fitness regimen when your schedule is in flux can be challenging. 

The end of August and the beginning of September brings this problem to the fore front for many of us with the start of school. You might be returning to classes yourself, or have family, loved ones, or even your workout partner whose schedule is changing.  

Don't worry! At Vim + Vigor Fitness, we're here to help you stay on track, no matter what life throws your way. The key to maintaining consistency lies in adaptability and planning. Let's explore some strategies to keep you going strong:

Plan ahead and prioritize

When your schedule changes, take a moment to reassess and plan. Look at your new weekly routine and identify potential workout slots. Remember, exercise is crucial for your physical and mental well-being, so treat it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself. Block out gym time in your calendar just as you would an important meeting.

But what if your usual gym time is no longer available? Don't fret - flexibility is your new best friend.

Be flexible with your workout times

While having a set gym routine is ideal, it's not always possible. Be open to switching up your workout times. If you usually hit the gym after work but now have evening commitments, try early morning sessions. Our Vim + Vigor locations offer flexible hours to accommodate various schedules.

Sometimes, though, even with flexible timing, you might find yourself short on time. That's when you need to get creative with your workout duration.

Embrace shorter workouts

On particularly busy days, remember that some exercise is better than none. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) or circuit training can give you an effective workout in as little as 20-30 minutes. Don't skip the gym just because you can't fit in your usual hour-long session.

But what about those days when you can't make it to the gym at all? That's where a backup plan comes in handy.

Create a home workout backup plan

For those days when you absolutely can't make it to the gym, have a home workout plan ready. This could involve bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or online fitness classes.

While we love seeing you at Vim + Vigor, we understand that sometimes life gets in the way - and we want you to stay active regardless. When you are busy it's more important to get something done, than to get the perfect workout in.

Something is always better than nothing!

Staying motivated can be tough when you're going it alone. That's why our next tip is crucial:

Find an accountability partner

Partner up with a friend, family member, or fellow Vim + Vigor member who has similar fitness goals. Check in with each other regularly, share your workout plans, and offer encouragement. Having someone to answer to can significantly boost your consistency.

As you work on maintaining consistency, it's important to acknowledge your efforts. This brings us to our final tip:

Track your progress

Use a fitness app or journal to log your workouts. Seeing your progress visually can be a powerful motivator, especially when life feels chaotic. Celebrate your consistency, no matter how small the victory might seem.

Remember, consistency doesn't mean perfection. It's about making fitness a regular part of your life, even when your schedule changes. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and using the strategies we've discussed, you can maintain your gym routine and continue progressing towards your fitness goals.

At Vim + Vigor Fitness, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our flexible hours, variety of classes, and supportive community are all designed to help you stay consistent, no matter what changes life brings.

Stay strong, stay consistent, and keep that vim and vigor going!