Ways To Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Life

You have made the decision to start exercising (good for you!), but you are finding it difficult to make time for exercise. Well, no more excuses! Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s a great way to lose or maintain your weight over the long haul, so here are some simple ideas to help you squeeze in a workout. Remember, every little bit of activity can help you burn more calories, maintain fitness, and boost your health…

Interval Walking

Lace up those walking shoes and take a brisk 20-minute walk around your neighborhood (alternating periods of fast walking with slow). Or if you are hitting the mall, park at the far end and walk and also take a fast stroll around the perimeter before you leave (always make sure that it is safe to do this at the mall parking lot).

Stair Climbing

If you live in a multi-level house, stairs are a readily accessible exercise “tool.” Make it a point to climb up and down them an extra 5 times each day. You can also climb some stairs at the office during your lunch hour (postpone eating for 10 minutes and sneak in this quick mini workout).

Yoga

If you don’t know any yoga exercises off the top of your head, search YouTube to find a yoga workout that will work for you and do some yoga. Yoga not only calms you, but it also improves strength, flexibility, and balance.

Weightlifting

If you own hand weights, you can easily do 2 or 3 sets of each of your favorite arm exercises when you have a few minutes of down time. If you don’t have hand weights at your disposal, large cans of beans or vegetables make great stand-ins.

Off-The-Couch Crunches

Keep your abs in shape with this simple exercise: Lie on the floor with your butt against the couch and your legs at a 90° angle on the cushions. Put your hands behind your head and crunch up toward the couch. Perform 2 or 3 sets of 15, or as many as you are able to do.

Finding time to exercise can be difficult, so I hope these exercise tips help you to fit in some exercise into your busy day and until next week, be happy, healthy, and beautiful!