Making Time for Ejercisio

Exercise might not be everyone’s favorite activity, but it brings so many incredible health benefits that every person, especially busy Latinas, should prioritize. That doesn’t mean you need to spend hours at the gym or join costly workout classes. There are plenty of options that don’t require much time and can even be combined with other healthy habits throughout the week, especially as we transition into the fall season and back-to-school routines.

Here are some tips for incorporating more exercise into your routine, even with a hectic schedule filled with family and community activities.

Finding Time for Exercise

Start by breaking your daily exercise into shorter sessions. You might not have a full hour for a workout, but can you squeeze in a 15-minute walk during your lunch break before you eat your homemade enchiladas. Or perhaps take a short hike with friends over the weekend, enjoying the weather as it begins to cool down? How about going swimming before making dinner?

Combining Exercise With Other Habits

Another great way to add exercise to your busy schedule is by combining it with other activities, especially other healthy habits you want to incorporate. For instance, if you want to meditate or practice mindfulness, do it while walking, hiking, or riding a bike! It’s easy to get into a calm, mindful state when you’re out in nature. In fact, it can be easier than when sitting at home or in the office. Just be sure to stay safe while doing this!

Types of Exercises for Busy Schedules

Here are some exercises and forms of movement that you can easily fit into a busy schedule:

• Taking a walk during a break
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT workouts)
• Dancing to your favorite salsa or bachata music in the living room with your kids or roommate
• Taking your dog for a walk or hike
• Riding your bicycle to run errands instead of driving
• Taking a short yoga or pilates class
• Doing a morning stretch routine before starting your day

Staying Motivated

Lastly, to stay motivated with your exercise, find activities you enjoy. If you don’t like lifting weights, you won’t stick to it, especially with an already busy schedule. As a busy Latina, find forms of movement that you genuinely enjoy. This way, exercise feels more like self-care, and you’ll be much more likely to stay consistent.