Working in the medical field is incredibly demanding. If you’re a clinician, you likely spend a lot more than 40 hours per week addressing patients’ needs. However, this doesn't mean you have to forgo exercise; you just have to get creative. Whether you have a fitness goal in mind or want to attend yoga retreats, here are a few viable strategies for getting in some regular physical activity.

3 Tips for Exercising When Working Full-Time

1. Invest in Exercise Equipment 

The more barriers you face when trying to work out, the more likely you will skip it entirely. For example, if you’re already on a tight schedule, you’re not going to waste valuable time driving to and from the gym. When there’s exercise equipment at home or in the office, you'll be more likely to squeeze a workout in.

Rowing machines, treadmills, and elliptical trainers are perfect options for rigorous workouts if you have the square footage. Otherwise, opt for resistance bands, dumbbells, and a fitness ball, all of which can be used throughout the workday.

2. Devise a Daily Routine 

If you tell yourself to exercise after finishing all the tasks for the day, you probably won’t get around to doing it. The people who get in at least some physical activity every single day are the ones who incorporate it into their routine. 

To ensure the new schedule is sustainable, start small. Block off just 20 minutes a day for working out. After a few weeks, find a way to extend it to 30 minutes or more to make the exercises more rigorous. 

3. Find Something You Love 

If you hate running, you probably won’t try very hard to exercise if it includes jogging. The best way to find — and maintain — the motivation to work out regularly is by doing something you love. If you’re not sure what that is, try a little of everything. Go on a yoga retreat, join a dodgeball team, enroll in a dance class, and take a nature walk. After trying enough activities, you’ll eventually find one that is both enjoyable and beneficial.

If you’ve neglected your health because of the demands of your practice, attend a yoga retreat hosted by Metro Collaborative™ to recharge. This health care networking group helps clinicians across New York City streamline their operations and reorganize their priorities so that they can maximize both their personal satisfaction and professional success. To explore their services, from yoga retreats to business coaching, visit their website. To become a member, call (609) 876-9163.