by Cody Ryder

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: February 22, 2009

Everyone knows that exercise is good for you and the majority of people see it as an integral part of good health. So, why is it that less than 30 percent of people get what they feel is an adequate amount of exercise? The number one response to this question is, "I don't have enough time in my day to exercise." Today's society focuses on more work and less leisure so it's hard to blame people for spending what little free time they have on things other than exercise especially when relaxation consists of things like television and video games.

The thing that most people don't realize is that there are numerous exercises they can do that will each take less than five minutes to complete. Below is a list of ten exercises that anyone can complete within the course of their day. No matter how busy you are, try to work in all of these, or at the very least a few of them, to help yourself stay fit.

1. Push ups:

Just drop to the floor a do as many push ups as you can. Over time, you'll find that you can do more and more with less effort. This will strengthen the muscles in your arms and chest. Make sure that when you do them you keep your back straight and you bend your arms to a 90-degree angle.

2. Sit-ups (Crunches):

Here is an exercise to strengthen your abs. Lay down on your back and plant your feet flat on the floor. Keep your arms down at your sides. Then move your torso up until your fingertips pass your feet on the floor.

3. Kegel Exercises:

This is a lesser known but very effective exercise. It in involves tightening and then relaxing you pelvic muscles. Do this for as long as you can without feeling too much strain. The beauty of this exercise is that it can be done anywhere at any time. You can do them sitting at the office, riding home on the bus, anywhere. Kegel exercises help to tone the pelvic area and your buttocks.

4. Squeezing a Stress Ball:

For this exercise, you are going to need a stress ball. These aren't hard to find or expensive (generally less than five dollars) and come in many styles. The ball is usually made of foam or rubber and resists when you try to squeeze it. This builds up the muscles in your hand and wrist. Doing this is especially recommended for people with typing jobs because it reduces the risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

5. Wall Sits:

This exercise will strengthen the muscles on the top of your thigh. First, you put your back against a flat wall. Then slide down the wall until your legs create two 90-degree angles behind your

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