You’ve heard it a million times, but making time for fitness can be difficult when you’re busy with work, family, and life in general.  For those who consider themselves to be “too busy” for fitness, it can be a constant struggle just to find a little time for yourself.

Sometimes it’s hard enough just getting up at 5:00 am before your kids wake up!

The first step is to simply make the decision that you want it bad enough. Maybe you’ve been out of shape for years, and maybe part of that is because you didn’t make it a priority.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to be able to run in a 5K, and now’s the time to get started! Or maybe you want to stop making excuses and finally tone up those abs.  Decide what your goal is–and make it more important to you than anything else.

Whatever your passion, make the time for it if you want it badly enough. If you really want to get in shape, work out first thing in the morning while your kids are sleeping.

It might feel hard at first, but think of how great it’ll feel when they’re awake and you’ve already gotten a big workout in.

If you want to get started with running, do some free-running. What’s that? Free-running is simply running around your neighborhood.  You’ll get a great workout without worrying about coming home “stinky.”

Or you can always do some walking and running with your kids. Next time they go out to play, leave your wallet at home, grab their hand, and enjoy the fresh air.

Again, make the time for fitness if it’s something that you really want. If you still think you’re “too busy,” try this thought exercise:

If your house was on fire, would you make time to grab some shoes, or would you run out the door without thinking about it?

When you imagine that scenario, it’s easy to see that if your house is on fire, putting shoes on is the last thing on your mind.

If getting in shape, eating healthy food, and living a healthy life is important, then make time for it. It’s not easy to juggle work, family, and fitness–trust me, I know.

But if you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen. Don’t let excuses hold you back from your goals.  Just start somewhere and go from there.

If you want it badly enough, you will make the time for fitness. You might have to get up earlier than your kids or get home after they’re in bed, but it’ll be worth it when you can say that you finally decided to prioritize your health and fitness.