Here's how to make time for exercise in your busy schedule

Instead of casually thinking, “Okay, I’ll work out when I can tomorrow,” or “I’ll fit it in after work,” write your workout down and schedule it for a specific time as though it were any other appointment or meeting. That way, it feels like something you can't easily cancel at the last moment. The night before (or at the beginning of the week), look at your calendar and figure out what time works best to fit in a sweat session.

Write that down and then — this is key — plan everything else around it. Don’t push it off to the side if something else comes up (unless it’s an emergency, of course). Treat it like something you can’t just walk away from.

Studies show that working out in the morning is more beneficial, so why not try it out? If your schedule allows you to wake up an hour earlier every day, start doing it. It will be tough in the beginning, but as with anything else, you will eventually adjust. Working out first thing in the morning, before the kids are awake and before your to-do list begins to creep up on you, can feel refreshing and rejuvenating. It’s an accomplishment before you’ve even eaten breakfast, and then you don’t need to worry about it the rest of the day.

It’s much easier to make time for a workout when you’re doing something you truly love. For example: if you hate running, don’t force yourself to go for a jog! You don’t want to do it, so you’re more likely to come up with excuses as to why you shouldn’t. Find a workout that you love, whether that’s swimming, taking group classes, boxing, or simply walking, and stick to that. If it’s something you’re looking forward to, you’re way more likely to do it.

Can’t make it to the gym because your only spare hour of the day is being taken up by a hangout session with a friend? Ask your pal if you can make it an active one! You two don’t necessarily need to hit the gym together — you can take a walk, go to a fun class together, or even take a brisk stroll through the mall while running errands. Who knows, your friend might need that push, too! The other advantage of working out with a friend is that scheduling something with them will make you less likely to cancel — they basically hold you accountable.

Sometimes the act of getting ready and then driving to the gym can take up so much time that you skip the workout altogether. If that’s the case, just do the exercise at home! If you find this happening often, ditch the expensive membership and buy some weights and other equipment you like for home. There are plenty of apps to download that offer great at-home workouts or you can even search them for free on YouTube. You may find it more manageable to fit exercise into your schedule when it doesn’t require you to leave your house.

If you’re able to, you may want to consider switching things up when you’re really busy and opting for a short, high-intensity workout instead of something longer. So, instead of a 45-minute treadmill session, try a 15-minute HIIT workout. Workouts don’t have to be long to be effective — sometimes just 15 minutes of really pushing yourself is just as good.

If you wake up every day thinking, “Ugh, I don’t have time for a workout,” then guess what? You’re probably not going to work out, because you’ve basically already decided that it’s impossible. But if you wake up thinking of it as a challenge to tackle — “I might be busy, but I can definitely make time for this!” — then you will be more likely to make time for it. Positive thinking is so powerful, even if you don’t realize it.

Going to a gym that takes more than 20 minutes to get to isn’t going to work out unless you have a lot of extra time in your day. Try to pick a gym really close to your home, nearby the office, or at least on your commute home. It’s so much easier to stop in when you’re close by: You can head over there on your lunch hour, right when you wake up, or on your way home.

Really don’t have time to schedule in a sweat session? Start getting creative. If you need to clean the house, do a few squats every time you bend down to dust under the coffee table. Do some lunges as you pick up the kids' toys. Jog in place while waiting for pasta water to boil. Get the baby to take a nap by going for a run or walk around the block with the stroller. It might just be a few minutes, but that adds up — and it's definitely better than nothing!

It’s not possible for everyone, but many people are able to make their commute a workout instead of spending precious time driving or taking public transportation. Riding a bike or jogging to work is a great way to get your workout in while also getting where you need to go.

Want to exercise but also need to keep an eye on your little ones? Get them involved! If you have a small baby, go for long walks together or get a jogging stroller once they’re old enough. If you have little kids, find a gym that has a babysitting room to care for them while you work out, or find a class that allows you to bring them along. You can even get them to work out with you by playing active games at home.

You don’t always need to ditch lunch hour — sometimes the break is needed — but if you’re having a particularly busy day, head to the gym to work out during lunch, then eat at your desk, if possible. It’s nice to get that work out done while you’re still on the clock, and it’s a good way to re-energize so you can get through the rest of the afternoon.

Have to spend the afternoon at your kid’s soccer practice? Instead of just sitting in the stands watching, jog around the field a few times while they play. Dialing in to a conference call? If it’s just over the phone, work out while listening in. Spending your whole day at the office? Swap your chair for a stability ball. Little things like this can be effective if you work them in throughout the week.

If you never have time to hit the gym but you love working out on a treadmill, elliptical, stair master, or something similar, then consider investing in a workout machine. If it’s in your home, it’s hard to find reasons not to use it. Plus, you can work out while catching up on your favorite TV show, reading a book, studying, calling into a meeting, watching your kids… the list is kind of endless. It might come with a hefty price tag, but the investment could be well worth it in the end.

Want to work out in the morning but having trouble getting motivated when you’re half asleep? Try sleeping in your workout clothes instead of pajamas so that when you wake up, you’re ready to roll out of bed and go!