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? If you let go of the expectation that "working out" means spending all your evenings at the fitness center, you'll find inventive ways to get in all the exercise you need.

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. 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. Designate two days a week as sacred exercise days, and go to the gym at some ungodly hour for a vigorous workout. 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. When running errands, really "run" them by walking swiftly, parking far from your destination, and making the most of carrying heavy bags. Along the same lines, challenge yourself while doing chores. Take advantage of the physical challenges presented by vacuuming, scrubbing, and putting away laundry.

Relax by engaging in active hobbies. Don't watch TV; walk with a friend instead. Instead of surfing the web, do something 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.