by Lenna Gonya

Created on: July 27, 2010

Finding time to exercise is difficult. Forget going to a gym, some days it’s even too much trouble to pop in a DVD, or exercise with your favorite TV fitness guru. Everyone knows that they should exercise, but of course, it is the last thing on your “to do” list. So the trick is to get some exercise into your day, while continuing with your normal routine.

1. If you have a moment or two in the morning, while waiting on your coffee to brew or your toast to pop, practice a few stretching exercises. These stretching and bending moves will help to get the morning kinks out of your bones and loosen joints. While you’re at it, practice some deep breathing, and get some oxygen to your brain and extremities.

2. Walk whenever you can. Forgo elevators, and opt for stairways, walk to nearby stores and leave the car at home. Increasing the amount of time that you walk per week will add hours of exercise to your routine every week.

3. If yard work is part of your life, you are getting some exercise. If you have the time, hoe the garden, weed something, and take a fast walk around the yard once or twice a day.

4. Get out your bicycle and use it whenever you can to run errands or visit a friend. If you have children that like bicycle riding, go with them. Leave some of the household chores for later.

5. If you get a lunch hour at work, get outside and walk for a few minutes. Chances are that some of your co-workers are already doing the same thing. All companies and businesses promote healthy living, as a means to reduce their health insurance costs, and some businesses even provide exercise rooms.

6. You may have some time in the evening to watch the news or your favorite TV show. While you are watching, get out of the chair or off the couch and do a few simple floor exercises, or take out the weights and practice your weight training. It’s a good use of time and less fattening than that bowl of ice cream.

Anytime you can take the time during the day to move around more than usual, you are exercising your muscles, increasing your lung power, and strengthening your heart. Even a few extra minutes during your busy day will help in the long run.

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