Sneaking Exercise into Your Schedule

We all need to exercise - just ask your doctor. Even if weight loss is not the goal, exercise keeps us healthy and improves quality of life. This is great - for those who like exercise, and have plenty of extra time for it. So what about the rest of us?

Stay Positive - Don't Get Discouraged

The good news is that you do not have to set aside hours of your day for exercise. In fact, the latest word is that the long standing requirement of 30 minutes each day can even be broken into shorter intervals. The American Diabetes Association is even suggesting trying to fit 3 ten minute intervals into your day.

Keep in mind that the ideal is just that - ideal. It would be fabulous if we all had time to do our allotted daily exercising each day. In real life, however, perfection does not exist, and not all situations are ideal. The important thing is to make the most of what you do have, and to give things your best effort.

There is no need to be frustrated with yourself on days that you have little or no time for exercise. Definitely do not give up just because your schedule does not allow the perfect amount of time. Doing anything is better than doing nothing. If 10 minutes is all that you have today, than 10 minutes is just the right amount of time. If you can fit in 30 minutes tomorrow, that is also great. Focus on doing what works for you instead of trying to force more time than your schedule allows.

Jump Start Your Day

Who wants to be the sit-up queen anyway? You do not need to do 700. See if you can manage a couple of sit-ups, or a great Pilates-based core exercise for just 2 minutes in the morning before your shower. You will not wake up tomorrow with Janet Jackson's abs, but, you are still making progress, and sneaking some exercise into your day!

Why stand around while you are brushing your teeth? By doing a couple of quick squats, you can get a little more exercise. Plus, you will probably find that you are brushing your teeth just a little longer. If you do not always go for the full time recommended by your dentist, now you are creating two good habits - congratulations!

Step Up Your Daily Activities

Everyone can walk more - even without taking an hour or more for a long walk. Park a little farther from the store. You will probably save as much time by not hunting for the closest spot as the walk will take you to make. Walk down to the mailbox to get the mail or the paper, instead of picking it up as you drive past. Keep your eyes open; there are probably dozens of opportunities in your daily routine to add a few steps. When you have the time for it, do it. Every little bit helps.

Try out a brisk pace. Instead of taking your time getting places, walk a little quicker. Moving quicker will elevate your heart rate more giving you more benefits from your movements. As an added bonus, you will get where you are going a little quicker, a possibly find a few extra minutes in your day.

Multi-task Your Chores

Everyone has chores; nobody loves them. The trick is not to think of exercise as another chore on the list. Exercise can actually be something that makes your chores more bearable. Almost any chore that is or can be done while standing, such as washing dishes or folding clothes, is a great opportunity for some leg work. Try walking or jogging in place, doing squats, anything that gets you moving.

Turn up the music! Dancing is a great aerobic workout. It is also fun, and will make most any chore seem to go quicker. The best part is that dancing is one of those sneaky forms of exercise - it is fun, and you can do it at almost any time. Dance while you are cleaning, while making the bed, even while making dinner!

Finish Strong

After a long day, relaxing sounds a lot better than exercising. You can still fit in a little more exercise. Commercial breaks just seem to get longer and longer - what a perfect time to get a few minutes of exercise! There are so many options, too. You could do a few sit-ups, some push-ups, even jog in place. Small hand weights are also great. You could do some light lifting even during the program.

Try out some stretches or a yoga program. You will find that exercise can be relaxing by loosening your tight muscles. Though it may not replace your favorite types of evening relaxation, you may find a place for a little exercise in your routine.

Exercise is not the enemy. It is so important to your well-being that you need to find ways to fit it into your daily schedule. Exercising when - and how - you can is always better than not exercising. Work with your routine, and keep alert to ways that you can fit a little more exercise into your days. Your body will thank you.