Healthy Living

Friday, November 27, 2009

7 Easy Ways to Find Time for Exercise

Exercise is often a low priority and something we just never get around to. To stay healthy, have more energy, and lose or maintain weight, its important to find time for a regular exercise routine. To work it into your schedule, you first must commit to an exercise routine and think of it as something that must be done. Here are ways to make time in your schedule for exercise.

1. Experiment with your schedule to find out when you can get some exercise time in.
Make it a routine. Once it becomes a priority and a habit, it will be easier to keep up with it.

2. Get some exercise while doing errands.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further away from stores so that you have a longer walk.

3. Exercise on your lunch hour.
Find a good place to walk or join a nearby gym. If you are home with young children all day, try to find a gym with a babysitting program or classes that the kids can attend while you are working out. Make sure the program is something that the kids will enjoy and look forward to.

4. Wake up earlier.
Walk or jog outdoors. Or find a room in your home where you won't wake everyone up to do aerobics or a treadmill routine.

5. Walk whenever you can.
Take a 15 minute break at work and walk. Walk around the field at your kids' games. Walk your children to school or to errands instead of driving.

6. Plan fitness activities for your family on evenings and weekends.
Go for a walk, ride bikes, swim or play a sport. Join the local YMCA, gym or community center. Take classes together.

7. Take advantage of downtime.
Do yoga, sit-ups, resistance training or stretching while watching television or talking on the phone.

How to Find Time for Exercise powered by eHow

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Have you successfully made exercise a part of your busy schedule? Share your strategies and tips to help motivate others.

More Exercise Articles on eHow
How to Exercise During Your Lunch Break
Video: How to Exercise at Your Computer
How to Exercise with Your Kids

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From the Community…

Comments 1-5 of 5
  • Katie B's Avatar
    Posted by Katie B Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:38am PDT

    Personally, I take my 2 15 minute breaks and 15 minutes out of my lunch to walk around the parimeter of the building and parking lot of where I work and try to get around it 3 times in 15 minutes... the parimeter is .3 miles so it's like trying to go .9 miles... I figure this way I am at least getting SOME exercise if I don't make time for it later.

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  • Katie B's Avatar
    Posted by Katie B Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:41am PDT

    Whoops... my inner spell check is broken I meant perimeter...

    Report Abuse
  • Dont You Dare's Avatar
    Posted by Dont You Dare Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:13pm PDT

    I have calculated a route to my train stop that is one mile. I walk to and from the train every morning and evening. When I get home, I like to relax and watch the news, so I stand/sit/exercise on my balance disc while I do it. If I do nothing else, at least get a little core and a little cardio every day.

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  • HealthyGirl247's Avatar
    Posted by HealthyGirl247 Fri Sep 25, 2009 1:12am PDT

    I am a busy working mom and I squeeze in a workout by walking back and forth to work every day. Walking is the best exercise and overall toner for me. My stomach is tighter, my legs and butt are more toned and I simply feel better. It does not require a gym membership, a trainer or any equipment....totally FREE!

    I live in New York City and I get up a little early so I can walk to work. I wear Nikes and Smartsole exercise insoles http://www.smartsole.com . They are anti cellulite insoles that help you tone muscles, increase circulation and cause you to burn more calories with every step. So you are getting a work out and toning your legs and butt even when just running errands.

    I read about them in Prevention mag in an article on new fitness products and they are a fabulous way to help get toned for those of us with crazy schedules. They listed the code ww10 to save 10% off.

    I am not skinny, but am fit, toned and feel the happiest and heathiest I have in years!

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  • nancy c's Avatar
    Posted by nancy c Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:09pm PDT

    Ugh! I haven't found a way to squeeze in the workout.

    I am exhausted after the work day, spend some time planning for the next day. Come home just in time to prepare dinner, and don't have the energy to make it through a 30 minute run, or even to convince myself to head out to the gym.

    I'm looking to motivate myself this week and will use other comments as a special nudge to get myself moving.

    Report Abuse
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