I'm finding it difficult to fit my training in around my work and lifestyle commitments, do you have any advice?

We all live busy lives, and there are always excuses to miss training commitments. But there are solutions, maybe it’s just a case of rearranging your plans to make the most of that precious spare time, without upsetting existing business and social arrangements. There are no cross-the-board answers. It depends on you and your schedule.

Start with identifying the best periods in which you can grab that time to work out then diarise your proposed commitment to help you stick with it. That might include a run after work, a fitness class another night, a video workout one evening, a weights session or bike ride elsewhere in your day. If you’re worried about missing a social engagement as a result, consider involving the friends you were set to meet.

If something pops up at work or appears on the home calendar which you have to honour, try switching to another night. Don’t be too rigid on days, just ensure you go on to rearrange those workouts, even if it leads to a little crossing out.

There may be evenings when you can fit in a little more and others when you’re too strapped. Try and be flexible. It could involve part of the working day, such as a commitment to cycle to work twice a week or occasionally walk to meetings across town. Maybe pack your gym bag for work, then nip out to a park or gym at midday.

If you need extra motivation, keep in mind that weight loss goal or the event you’re down to compete in needs that training. Similarly, keep track of how you’re doing in a diary or on a planner. It could be all the motivation you need. If used wisely, even a few minutes can make the difference, whatever your routine. Don’t be put off if you don’t think you have a full half-hour, for instance.