Balancing a full-time job with your martial arts training sometimes feels like juggling flaming swords while walking a tightrope. However, there are innovative strategies that you can use to balance your training with your job if you’re disciplined enough.
This article will explore some time management tips that will help you crush it in the gym and at work.
Ten Time Management Tips To Balance Your Martial Arts Training With A Full-Time Job
Here are some ways to make balancing martial arts training with a full-time job more manageable:
1) Have Clear Priorities
Let’s face it; you don’t have enough hours in a day to do everything you want. Figure out what’s most important to you and make them your main priorities. For example, if your jobs pay all your bills and training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) does wonders for your mental health, those are two of your top priorities. Everything else, like scrolling social media, binging on movies, or spending hours in the bar, can take a backseat.
Write down a list of what your main priorities are and stick to them. You’ll find out you have much more free time than you thought once you’re clear on your priorities.
You can rank all your priorities by order of importance and tackle the top three first daily. This approach, known as the Eisenhower Matrix, helps you focus on what matters most.
2) Plan Your Week Like A Boss
You end up losing time when you go about your day winging things. Instead, spend 15 minutes at the start of each week mapping out your planned activities. Block out work hours, training sessions, and personal time on your calendar.
Use a digital calendar on your smartphone to set reminders so you stay on track with your plans.
Three things you should factor in when creating a weekly schedule include:
- Your work hours and daily commute time.
- Training schedules available at your dojo—bigger gyms, like Evolve MMA, typically have classes at all times of the day.
- Meal prep and recovery time.
3) Master The Art Of Time Blocking
Creating time blocks makes it a lot easier to stick to your weekly plan. Divide your days into chunks of time dedicated to specific tasks. For example, you can create an hour-long time block for meal prep in the morning, a two-hour block for BJJ training in the evenings, and an hour-long block for unwinding at night.
Assigning each hour of your day to a specific purpose helps you use time more efficiently. To minimize mental switching, try to group similar tasks together, such as answering emails and running errands.
4) Leverage Your Lunch Breaks
Working full-time doesn’t mean your lunch breaks are off-limits for productivity. Use that time wisely: For example, you can stretch, hydrate, or review training footage during your break to prepare for training after work! You can even squeeze in some footwork drills or shadowboxing if you have the luxury of working from home.
Some ways to make the most out of your lunch breaks include:
- Perform breathing exercises.
- Knock out errands like paying bills.
- Perform mobility stretches to prepare for evening training.
5) Prioritize Recovery
Proper recovery makes it easier to balance a full workload with martial arts training. Failing to give your body enough time to recover from your busy schedule can lead to burnout. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep daily and schedule rest days to give your body enough time to heal from the stress training puts on it. Overtraining while managing a full work schedule will leave you sidelined faster than a well-timed leg sweep.
Research reveals that sleep improves muscle recovery and athletic performance, so getting enough rest will make your training sessions more productive.
6) Batch Meal Prep Like A Pro
The last thing you want to do after a long day of work and training is to have to cook a meal from scratch. That’s why meal prep is so important for people with busy schedules. Dedicate a few hours on the weekend to preparing a portion of your weekly meals. Think of high-protein, nutrient-dense foods that will give your body all it needs to recover from a hectic day.
You should also consider stocking up on protein bars and shakes for moments when you don’t have any pre-made meals. Having a well-prepped diet is essential not just for recovery but also for enjoying your meals to the fullest. After all, as the saying goes—food for the soul!
7) Be Flexible With Your Training Schedule
The events life throws our way are sometimes unpredictable, so you sometimes have to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Consider training earlier if your usual evening classes no longer work for you.
Create backup plans for days when your schedule doesn’t allow you to train, like a home workout.
8) Learn To Say No
Your time is precious, so don’t be afraid to decline anything that doesn’t align with your goals. It could be a last-minute work assignment or a night out with co-workers. Protecting your time is the key to having a balanced schedule as a martial artist.
9) Combine Cardio With Commutes
Always look for to turn your daily communities into workouts to make the most out of your busy schedule. Instead of riding the train to work, consider using a bike if it’s within range.These small changes help keep you active without taking up too much of your time. Plus, after a long day, cycling through the cityscapes and gardens in the evening can be a surprisingly therapeutic way to unwind!
10) Track Your Progress
Always journal to keep track of and monitor your goals.
It’s easier to manage things when you keep tabs on your progress. This applies to your martial arts training and career. Use apps to track your workouts at the dojo since seeing your improvements will motivate you to stick to your routine. Celebrate any milestones you reach in the gym, like earning a new belt rank.
Take Charge Of Your Schedule—And Your Life
Balancing a full-time job and martial arts training is no cakewalk, but it can be done with a can-do attitude and thoughtful planning. The key is to prioritize, plan, and protect your time so you have enough for the things you love the most.
Ready to find a gym that matches your work schedule? Check out our complimentary Muay Thai, BJJ, Boxing, and Judo to take your training to the next level.
Book your complimentary trial class with our World Champions below!
If you have any other questions regarding Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, you can get in touch with our membership executives at the following locations:
Evolve MMA (Far East Square)
26 China Street
Far East Square #01-01
Singapore 049568
Phone: (65) 6536 4525
Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)
181 Orchard Road
#06-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Phone: (65) 6536 4556
Evolve MMA (KINEX)
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-52 KINEX
Singapore 437157
Phone: (65) 6288 2293
Evolve MMA (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-26A The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Phone: (65) 6539 9590
