by B. Leslie Baird

Created on: July 14, 2010   Last Updated: April 05, 2011

Finding time to exercise in an already overly crowded schedule is not an easy task. There are ways that it can be done and keep the exercising as pleasant and stress free as possible so that you stick with it. If you find yourself just becoming irritated at the thought of needing to exercise you should find a more suitable solution for your schedule.

Gyms can be great options for many people. Unfortunately if your schedule is already too busy you may not have the time to drive to the gym for your work out. If your drive is long, or in heavily trafficked areas, you may be even less likely to be successful in your endeavor. If a gym is close and not crowded during the time periods that you have for exercise then use this option. Otherwise there are many simple methods to still get a workout without losing your sanity.

Walking is a free and easy way to add exercise to your daily routine. Park a little farther from your destination and take a fast paced walk. Use the stairs instead of an elevator whenever possible. The time you save waiting for the elevator or hunting for the perfect closer parking space can be turned into exercise time. On a daily basis walking or stair climbing will add up.

If you have space for a small exercise bike, get one. You may be able to add in a stationary bike ride while returning phone calls or watching the nightly news. You do not need to try to win a race, just get in fifteen minutes or more of a work out. If you have reports or papers that need to be read the work can be done as you bicycle as well.

Try doing some leg lifts or stretching exercises while you are waiting for dinner to cook. If you are stuck on the phone in an endless hold situation use the time for stretching, knee bends or lifting. If you have free weights you can work one arm at a time instead of being annoyed about the elevator music. If you have a favorite evening television show that you just can not miss use some of the time for exercising. Get a comfortable floor mat and do some push ups or sit ups during commercial breaks. Try some jumping jacks for a cardiovascular work out.

Make double use of the time you spend cleaning. Turn on some music you like and dance with your vacuum cleaner. Dance while you dust or clean windows. Take a break between cleaning projects and do some stretching exercises. If you can add in ten to fifteen minutes of good exercise a couple of times a day, or even every other day, you will see and feel the benefit without feeling like you have added to your already overloaded day.

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