How to Squeeze Exercise Into a Busy Schedule

You’ve decided you need to exercise, but you can’t figure out how to fit it into your busy schedule? Let go of the idea that you have to invest hours at the gym to stay fit, and try some of these tried and true tricks to stay toned.

Make the most of your lunch hours. Plan your lunch meetings far from your workspace. Make yourself walk both to and from your lunch spot, using the stairs when reasonable and asking coworkers to walk with you or meet you there if you have to work over lunch.

No matter what, commit to ten minutes of exercise per day. Make ten minutes of exercise--sit ups, planks, push ups, squats--a part of your bedtime routine.

Devote two mornings (or late nights) a week to your fitness program. You may have to work crazy hours during the day, but you can find time on one end or the other of your busy days to fit in exercise, which will increase your energy levels. Just as some people consider going to religious services as non-negotiable, treat these two days as such and carve out some precious time that cannot be touched by anyone. Treat those mornings like special dates, making those the best workouts of the week.

Look for ways to challenge your body while running errands and doing household chores. Bundle your errands into one trip, and turn your afternoon of errands into an exercise routine by parking in the farthest spot in each parking lot, speed walking through stores, forcing yourself to loop stores for extra items, and putting forth extra effort as you unload groceries and shopping bags. Do something similar when performing chores. Transform vacuuming, sweeping, and scrubbing into a full body workout by bending your knees, squatting, and using a little elbow grease.

Plan active leisure times. Instead of watching a movie, meet a friend for a walk. Instead of playing a board game, take your kids out for a hike. Replace sedentary hobbies with athletic or active hobbies.

If you look for alternatives, you'll find it's possible to cram exercise into even the most overflowing schedule.