4 Ways to Fit Fitness Into Your Already-Crammed Life

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If you are like most of us, you find it hard to make time for working out because your daily schedule is already packed. Even the thought of trying to set aside an hour to get to the gym adds more stress to your day and seems hardly worth it. But there are a few simple ways to fit in a little physical activity without putting too much pressure on yourself.

How to Fit Exercise Into a Busy Schedule

1. Move through your lunch hour. If you have a yoga studio or gym near your office, chances are they have a noon class for busy people like you. If not, go for a brisk 30-minute walk and throw in a few flights of stairs if you can. Take advantage, then have a light lunch back at your desk. You will find the exercise gives you more energy to face the afternoon and evening.

2. Try five-minute moves. If you cannot make time for 45-minutes of continuous activity in your day, try to make time for jet 5 minutes several times a day. A short circuit of exercises can be incredibly beneficial. Jumping jacks, squats and pushups are effective exercises that can be done virtually anywhere. Do as many of each as you can do in 90 seconds with a 20-second rest in between for a great workout. Other options for quickie workouts are running the stairs for 4 minutes straight or dancing around your living room to your favorite song. Anything that gets you moving for 4-5 minutes counts. Try finding at least 4 of these short blocks of activity per day.

3. Make it a family affair. Build fitness into your family time. Take your kids for a walk around the block as soon as you get home in the afternoon. Little ones can be strapped into a stroller or a baby carrier, adding resistance to your walk. Stop for a round of squats of lunges to let bigger kids catch up. Teaching your kids a healthy lifestyle by example, you won’t feel guilty about leaving your kids to take care of yourself.

4. Use a pedometer. Measuring your steps every day can be a great motivator. You will quickly see how you can choose to be more active throughout your day and having a device that keeps the count for you make it clear how quickly it all adds up! 

P.S.  I find having a workout partner who is just as motivated as I am about living healthy, helps to encourage me.

P.P.S.  Visit Exercises for Diabetics Today for easy workouts you can start now . . . and be ten pounds lighter in five weeks.