7 Hacks For Fitting Your Workout Into Your Lunch Break

Drag yourself away from what is probably a desk and get moving with these tips
Getty Images

Between getting to the gym, getting changed and getting showered - it often feels like you've barely got time to do your first lunge before you're back at your desk.

So, what are the little things you can do to make the most of the time you've got and fit your workout into your lunch break?

1/ Find A Lunch Class Combo

Some gyms have started to cotton on to just how busy we all are, and have created lunchtime classes that combine a shorter session with food to take away.

Psycle, for example, offers a 35 minute spin with a healthy protein rich takeaway box from The Detox Kitchen. If a gym close to your work does this, you can cruise back into the office with a nutritious meal to eat at your desk.

READ: Is This The UK's Hardest Spin Class?

2/ Skip The Cardio

One of the most time-stealing elements of workouts has to be the shower, so why not opt for a less sweaty workout like yoga or barre, and save the cardio for before or after work?

READ: Yoga Poses For Ultimate Relaxation

3/ Come Packing Toiletries

If you do dare to dash sans rinse, try adding some floral water like the Damask Rose Floral Water from Melvita to your gym bag. This will freshen you up without the shower but isn't as intense as a perfume. You'll also want some trusty dry shampoo, and even a hair perfume for a real freshen up.

Your hair is more absorbent than skin so it will hold onto scents more effectively. Now we shouldn't also have to remind you about deodorant...

READ: What's In My Gym Bag: Olivia Wayne

4/ Chose The Right Moves

If you're a little stuck for time. it's important to feel like you're getting the most out of your workout. If you think you'll have time to shower and have a reliable cap, swimming works every muscle in the body.

If you'd rather stay on terra firma you can try one of our killer 15 minute workouts. Make sure you fit in time for squats, as this is the move that works the most muscles in the body at one time. Hey, who doesn't love squats?

READ: 4 Bodyweight Moves For Fast Results

5/ Pick Your Fit Kit Wisely

Fitting a workout into a narrow window makes selecting your kit carefully essential. You don't want to be lugging bags and bags of clothes that just slow you down.

Try to incorporate some pieces into your outfit that could be multifunctional between work and workout (although we wouldn't suggest sitting in your sweaty vest) - why not try styling your trainers with your office look?

READ: #MYFITKIT: Fitness On Toast

6/ Plan Your Meals With Military Precision

The people who manage to fit everything in without breaking a sweat? They're planners.

Cook your post-gym chicken and quinoa lunch the night before, have a store of homemade protein balls, keep water bottles in every bag - the only way this is going to work is if you avoid standing in that Tesco queue for 20 minutes.

READ: 12 Ideas For Homemade Protein Balls

7/ Skip The Gym

No, we don't mean just give up on your workout entirely, we're talking about taking to the streets for a run. If you have showers in your office you can cut out half of the time you waste on lockers and waiting for a treadmill by just getting changed in your work toilets and pounding the pavement.


    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    More From Fitness