by Kristina K.Summers

Created on: March 26, 2009

In a world of women that do it all, one of the biggest complaints out there is, "I simply don't have time to exercise."

Tired from work, rushing in to get the kids fed before soccer practice and scouts, many women tend to put getting on shape on the perpetual list of things they will do "when they get time." Unfortunately, for most of us, that item on the list gets pushed down further and further, to the point it never gets crossed off.

So how does a busy woman get and stay in shape? Here are a few tips that may help, as long as you slow down long enough to read them.

1. Be inefficient - there are a ton of books and Web sites out there dedicated to making things run quicker, better, longer, etc. The problem is that as efficiency increase, so can your waistline. Keeping on top of fitness means getting out from under the myth that we have cut down on how much we move in order to be productive. So take a look around and see how you can add movement to your day. Take an extra trip up the stairs with the laundry, or better yet fold it on the couch and and make separate trips to the kids rooms to put it all away.

2. Make it a family affair - Rather than wonder when you will get a spare moment to take a walk or do a 30-minute yoga tape, enlist your family work out with you. Put little ones in a stroller when you hit the pavement and make an exercise video a game, by challenging your kids to see who can stay in time with the guru on the screen. It's good for them and will ultimately bring the family closer as well as providing numerous health benefits.

3. Water, water, water - Think you need a snack? Your stomach may be playing tricks on you. You might just be thirsty. One of the oldest tricks in the book to stave off the munchies is to add more water to your day. Feeling the 3:30 urge to hit the vending machine, drink 8oz of ice cold water and see how you feel. If you are still hungry after 30 minutes then have a small, but healthy snack such as a couple crackers, celery sticks or an apple. Not hungry after the water? Then you weren't really hungry after all, just thirsty.

4. Add steps to your day - Take the stairs, park farther away from the entrance or make a point to walk down the hall rather than send your co-worker an email. The more you move, the better your pants will fit.

5. Make the mundane exciting - rather then sitting to watch the tube, do jumping jacks or hula hoop during the commercials. Dance while you swiffer or vacuum and try take two steps at a time. Waiting on the sidelines at soccer practice, grab an extra practice ball and experiment with a few moves yourself. Your kids will think your pretty cool when you show then your moves later. Sitting in traffic, flex your calves in time to the music and sing along. Sure you may get strange looks, but who cares?

Above all, remember that being busy doesn't mean you have to be fitness on the back burner. With a little creativity you can incorporate exercise into everything you do. Make a list of as many of the things you do everyday and then make a promise to yourself that you will try to do at least one differently each day. Before you know it you not only will be in better shape, but you just may be enjoying life a little bit more too.

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