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Yes, there are those rare annoying women who actually enjoy running a 5K. But for most of us, exercise is a chore and we will come up with almost any excuse in order to avoid it. However, we can't deny the many benefits of an active lifestyle, such as a decreased risk of heart disease and other serious health problems, increased strength and stamina and improved mental and emotional well-being. And of course, having washboard abs and fitting into your "skinny jeans" is always a plus as well.

The good news is, you don't have to train for a marathon in order to get in shape. There are simple changes that you can make to your everyday routine in order to increase your fitness level. It won't even seem like exercise, but these small changes will add up and you will start to feel and see resultsI promise. The key is setting small goals and building your way up.

Start by making small changes in your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. If you start by substituting even one elevator ride for a flight of stairs per day, you are making progress. If your office is on the 30th floor, taking the stairs can seem a bit impractical, but you can still take the opportunity to get in a little exercise. Just ride the elevator to the 28th floor and then take the stairs from there.

If you're fortunate enough to live nearby your workplace, another easy way to squeeze some exercise into your schedule without hitting the gym is by walking or biking to work. Not only will it help you get in shape, but a brisk walk is a great way to wake yourself up in the morning so you'll feel refreshed by the time you get to work. And you won't have to worry about parking. If you take advantage of public transportation, get off a stop or two early and walk the rest of the way to your destination.

When you do drive, stop fighting for the coveted spots closest to the building. Parking a bit further away and walking will not only help you stay active, but it is also less stressful.

If you sit at a desk all day, make sure to get up and walk around once in awhile and do some simple stretches to avoid sore, stiff muscles. For lunch, instead of ordering in, walk to that new caf a few blocks away that you've been wanting to try out.

Another great workout in disguise is doing your household choresthere's a reason they call it house "work" after all! Once you realize the calorie burning potential of your daily household chores, you can maximize your results and feel even

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