Fitting Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule

Mind is All

Every week you swear you're going to exercise, but your busy schedule crowds out the possibility? Rid yourself of the expectations that you need to go to the gym five days a week in order to get exercise, and try these innovative solutions for squeezing in workouts.

Seize opportunities presented mid-day. Plan your lunch meetings far from your workspace. Force yourself to walk both ways, taking the stairs whenever possible and bringing coworkers or your laptop with you if you need to work over lunch.

Promise yourself ten minutes of exercise each day. Even if your day is completely packed, you can put in ten minutes of sit ups, push ups, and squats before bed.

Promise yourself you'll devote two mornings (or late nights) a week to exercise. 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. Designate two days a week as sacred exercise days, and go to the gym at some ungodly hour for a vigorous workout. Work yourself hard on those two days, fitting in both cardio and weights.

Think of ways to make chores and errands more physically challenging. When running errands, really "run" them by walking swiftly, parking far from your destination, and making the most of carrying heavy bags. You can do the same with household chores. Transform vacuuming, sweeping, and scrubbing into a full body workout by bending your knees, squatting, and using a little elbow grease.

Relax by engaging in active hobbies. Instead of reading, meet a friend for a hike. Replace video games with a game outside. Exchange athletic hobbies for sedentary ones.

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