by Pat Gray

Created on: January 07, 2008

A Busy Woman's Guide to Staying in Shape...

As a busy working woman myself, and having watched my friends and family dealing with hectic schedules, I've noticed women tend to be 'busy' in one of two different ways. In one scenario, we are 'commuting', sitting in a car or on a train, rushing to a job where we sit behind a desk for eight (or more) hours a day. In the other scenario, we're running around like a maniacs, doing a wide variety of things that are more physically demanding. Some lucky souls, like the women who have two 'jobs' - the office and the family - enjoy both lifestyles simultaneously!

Whichever scenario best describes your situation, you're presented with different challenges and opportunities for staying in shape. The trick is to manage the calories and maximize the opportunities for exercising, stretching and toning your body.

COMMUTING TO THE DESK

Sitting is NOT a great way of staying in shape and many of us quickly begin to develop what is affectionately known as "secretary's spread". Just sitting for so many hours a day can slow your metabolism. Commuting increases the sitting time, and it's draining, whether you are driving or riding.

In addition, working in an office increases the opportunity to eat a bit too much of the wrong things. Rushing to work, we skip breakfast. There are those really hectic days when we grab something 'quick' from the vending machine and wolf our lunch down while we are working. Or we are to busy or tired at night, so we stop at the fast food place on the way home.

To stay in shape when you are busy office worker:

- Always take the steps rather than the elevator.

- Join a lunch time or after work gym/exercise class with coworkers, or just take a walk around the block at lunch. Just two or three hours a week can have a major impact, and you will have a support group to keep you going.

- If possible, 'walk' part of your commute. If you take a bus, get off at an earlier stop and walk. If you take the train, walk to the station, don't drive. If you drive to work, park as far from the door as SAFELY possible.

- Have at least a protein drink or smoothie for breakfast. Bring a packed lunch, so you don't have to rely on the vending machine in a pinch. Keep salad in the house for a quick and easy dinner, or freeze leftovers from the weekend for during the week.

- To offset the candy, cookies or donuts that mysteriously appear in many offices, bring in something healthier - fruit or homemade granola bars.

- Rather than making a phone

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