What to Do with Limited Time

Busy schedules can make it hard to fit in traditional, hour-long workouts, but good news: you can stay on track by optimizing the time you have.

Here’s how to manage your workout time more effectively, design shorter routines, and incorporate “workout snacks” throughout the day.  

The first step is to manage your time in the gym correctly.

If you’re working out but constantly checking the clock, try tightening your routine with smart planning. Focus on compound exercises like squats, push-ups, and deadlifts that target multiple muscle groups in less time.

Limit rest to 30-60 seconds between sets and avoid distractions (a.k.a. stop checking your phone between sets). A simple full-body circuit can deliver great results in even just 20 minutes.  

Or maybe you can try designing shorter workouts on purpose?

Workouts don’t always need to be long to be effective.

If time is tight, try hitting some more basic intervals, timed sets (e.g. 30/30 or EMOM) or AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) sessions.

You can also try breaking up a larger workout into what we call “workout snacks.”

If you can’t block off 45-60 minutes at once, split your workout into smaller, bite-sized sessions throughout the day.

These “workout snacks” could be 5-10 minutes of bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, or planks between meetings or during breaks.

Alternatively, a snack could be comprised of just one or two exercises that you’d normally do, done to perfection. A few of these snacks in day will allow you to cover a full workout worth of exercises.

Snacks done strategically will allow you to accumulate the same volume — without committing that same “big block” of time. 

Whether you’re short on time or just want a more flexible routine, these strategies can help you move consistently.

Managing your time wisely, creating focused, short workouts, or spreading movement across the day will help you stay active even when life gets busy.