How Do I Make Time for Fitness?

In our busy lives these days we just do not ever feel like we have enough time to fit fitness in, even though physical activity is one of the most important things we can do for our minds and bodies. It really is not that hard to get physical activity on a daily basis. It is really only the lazy people out there that say they do not have time, because EVERYONE has some time for fitness.

Clean the House/Yard
Did you know your housework counts as fitness? It sure does. You will get even more if your laundry "facilities" are located in your basement, because stairs are an amazing fitness tool. Washing dishes burns calories, though not as many as vacuuming does! Like the outdoors? Shovel the snow, mow with a push mower or rake the leaves. No matter the season there is some form of physical activity that you can get by working, or playing outside. Why not play a game of tag with the kids, or the family dog! Incorporating your family into your fitness time gives you valuable bonding time and it teaches them about fitness also.

Walk
Take a walk. There are tons of ways to fit walking into every day. Park on the other side of the lot when you go to work, or go shopping. Take the stairs. Go for a short hike. Take a walk on the beach, or in the snow. Walk to the store if it is only a few blocks away and you only need to pick up a couple things. Even just taking your dog for his/her daily walk can give you some much needed fitness time, and it gives Fido his workout too!

Ride A Bike
If the store is too far away for your walk then take the bike. You still will not be able to buy a whole bunch of stuff, but you will be getting in some really good all-body exercise. And, you are being environmentally friendly by leaving your car turned off at home!

Use The Television
Do you have time to watch television? If you have time for this mindless indulgence then you surely have time to workout. Do your fitness routines while you watch your favorite shows. You will be killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. Even if you just sit on an exercise ball while watching the tube you will work on balance and give your core a small routine. Another tip, similar to this one, is working out while you talk on the phone. Sure, you do not want to do anything strenuous, but pacing gives you some of those extra 2,000 steps you need to fit into each day!

Play With Your Kids
Whether it is tag, basketball or golf outside, or some Wii Fit inside, you will make your children smile, and they too will be fit and healthy and learn creative ways to fir exercise into their days too!

Source: Motivating People To Be Physically Active by Bess H. Marcus & LeighAnn H. Forsyth