The cliché reason for not working out consistently is lack of time. Too busy, too overbooked, too last minute. But in a world where technology intersects every aspect of modern life, optimizes your schedule, and offers the potential to give you hours back during your day, lack of time no longer cuts it as a valid excuse for skipping your workout session.

Is it truly lack of time? Or are you simply hesitant to give up that time to work out? Either way, with the right technology, you can keep up and maintain a results-driven exercise routine without slowing down other areas of your life.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE WITH A BUSY SCHEDULE

USE A WEARABLE

Watches, jewelry such as rings and bracelets, and even smart clothing, can enhance your workout goals by reducing the time needed to switch from work-mode to workout mode. In fact, wearables make working out a part of your day rather than a separate event that requires special preparation and time allotment.

The reminder of your step goal or how long you’ve been sedentary goes a long way to helping you maintain exercise-consciousness all day long. Research suggests that changing your behavior to consider working out and exercising as fundamental to your day as say, brushing your teeth, can have a profound impact on exercise efficiency and increased quality of life.

JOIN A WORKOUT GROUP

There’s more to a HIIT class than you might think. Yes, group workouts can add an extra level of motivation and healthy competition, but there is also potential for positive technology enhancement, too.

Many workout classes or groups will maintain a Facebook page or group chat which can offer motivation long before you get to class. Recipe exchanges, motivational support, and overcoming discouragement are just a few ways technology can enhance your results and consistency when you opt for a group workout.

EXPLORE FITNESS APPS

Having a consistent gym schedule is great, but only if you’re consistently working out, too. If your gym sessions are sometimes less than because you didn’t go in with a set routine, a fitness app like Nike Plus could be exactly what you need to achieve that performance edge.

It offers tailored, personalized workouts specific to your goals that you can do at the gym anytime. Plus, push notifications that can enhance performance further by offering recaps of your workouts, tips for success, and motivational reminders.

EXPAND YOUR EXERCISE OPTIONS

If you’re not convinced watches and smart sneakers will help you integrate fitness seamlessly into your schedule, consider trying a workout app like ClassPass.

Picture the scene: your meeting is running longer than expected, and you’re definitely not going to make your favorite yoga class at your gym after work. High hopes of a consistent workout routine this week are dashed. But what if you could check an app that would inform you there’s actually a yoga class right down the block that you could snag right after your meeting?

Not your usual teacher, sure, and maybe a different vinyasa flow than you’re used to, but wouldn’t it be great to get a workout in, nonetheless? Apps like this help you stay connected with fitness options that are on your time, your schedule, and sometimes, even on your block.

THE TAKEAWAY

Technology has advanced the fitness industry for the better, allowing you to make your exercise routine as fundamental to your day as eating breakfast or going to work. As a society constantly on the move, you can adopt technology to support your exercise routine as little or as much as you wish. The important takeaway is to remember to be mindful of your goals and ensure you balance your technology enhancements with equal time of disconnectedness to support sufficient mindfulness and reflection.

In a world that focuses on performance, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the psychology behind working out and how it can impact your results. Without remembering to be mindful, it’s easy to get off track and lose sight of your goals and bigger plans. Working out with friends, staying engaged with group workouts, or occasionally checking in with a trainer can help you maintain the right balance of connectedness and reflection with yourself. You can also explore online apps like Headspace and Calm to help you keep your goals and thoughts more aligned.

Looking for more ways to use your time efficiently? Try these 7 Tips Super Productive People Use Every Day!