How to fit your workouts into your work day

How do you juggle your work life and your workouts? Do you ever wonder how you fit what you have to do in your life into 24 hours? Just how organised are you?

Early mornings are usually the time most women get to schedule a bit of workout or 'my time' into their daily routine. I am no exception and I find that the rest of my day travels along a lot more smoothly if I have a hit of those exercise induced endorphins to keep the 'cranky pants' at bay.

Before I head out the door and onto my bike, or into the pool or to pound the pavement I employ some of the following habits/tips to ensure that I have the time to enjoy those hours I have allocated to myself, before another commitment requires my attention. They work for me. I hope you find something here that will help you enjoy your workouts even more.

• Fill your water bottles the night before your morning ride, run or swim. Add your sports drink, if you use one. I have never found that they have 'gone off' in taste overnight.

• Place your bike helmet, sunglasses and gloves on your handlebars or near your bike. They are usually the last thing you put on before you get on your bike.

• Before you turn in for the night, turn your bike computer to zero so it's ready to record your peddling prowess in the morning. It won't matter if you add a couple of metres distance wheeling down the driveway!

• Check your tyre pressure the night before. If you have a slow leak it is better to find out before you head out the door rather than when you are on a ride.

• Set your alarm! It's amazing how many people forget and end up waking up in a fog of sleep thinking that they should be somewhere else other than in bed!

• Organise to ride/run/swim with a friend or a group. It is always a lot easier to get out of that bed when you have made arrangements to meet someone - you don't want to let them down.

• Set your clothes out the night before. I know of one bike rider who sets his clothes out in the garage with his bike. He goes to great pains not to wake his beloved from her slumber on his early morning rides. If you are swimming have your swim program, goggles, cap, towel and drill aids all packed in your sports bag/swim bag. If you are going for a run employ the same tactics - no use looking for those socks that should have been in the drawer when your running partner is waiting under the street light.

• If you are planning to be out for more than an hour you will probably need body fuel in the form of an energy bar or a snack, such as sultanas. Have that ready to place in your jersey, swim bag or fuel belt.

• Have a program written out for the week. Know what you are going to be doing and plan your workouts to fit in with your schedule. If the weather is inclement for your activity be flexible enough to head to the gym for a weight session or the treadmill. Invest in a wind trainer or rollers (not for the faint hearted) if your cycling is going to be interrupted by poor weather or injury that stops you from riding on the road.

• Set out your breakfast requirements for when you get back from your activity. Plan what you are going to eat that will keep your fuelled throughout the morning until lunchtime. Have the toaster plugged in, the water in the jug ready to boil for your cuppa, the condiments set out and your crockery and cutlery ready to use.

• If you like to have a bite to eat before you leave for your activity, get that ready the night before as well. It will give you a couple more minutes of sleep time.

Now all you have to do is pat the dog on the head, tell him you'll be back soon, and head off out the door to have fun!