Fitting Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule

Mind is All

You know you need to exercise more, but your busy schedule makes working out seem out of the question? 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.

Seize opportunities presented mid-day. Set yourself up such that you have to eat far from where you work. 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. Yes, you have to work a full day, but you can sacrifice sleep for exercise--which will energize you--two days a week. Take a cue from those who devote themselves to religious services and treat your two main workouts as sacred, scheduling them for times when no one can deter you from working out. Treat those mornings like special dates, making those the best workouts of the week.

Think of ways to make chores and errands more physically challenging. Make yourself walk as much as possible while running errands (park far away, make yourself walk fast) and turn the loading and unloading of bags into a workout by bending your knees, lifting them high, etc. Do something similar when performing chores. Use your whole body as you vacuum, push your arm muscles as your scrub, and do squats while folding laundry.

Relax by engaging in active hobbies. Instead of watching a movie, meet a friend for a walk. Instead of playing a board game, take your kids out for a hike. 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.