How To

How to Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(23 Ratings)
Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule
Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule

Make a commitment - even a small one - to exercise seven days a week. Begin with 20 minutes of activity every day; this can be broken down any way you need it throughout the day.

From Quick Guide: Creating a Workout Schedule
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Athletic Shoes
  • Food/exercise Journals
  • Athletic Gear
  • Free Weights Set
  • In-line Skates
  • Mountain Bikes
  • General Fitness Videos
  1. Step 1

    Try walking, biking or skating to work. If this takes longer than your usual commute, plan ahead: Pack your briefcase and lay out your clothes the night before. Remember to have an extra set of clothes at work for a quick after-commute change, if necessary.

  2. Step 2

    If an alternate commute is impossible, get off the bus a little earlier and walk the rest of the way, park at the far end of the lot or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

  3. Step 3

    Make use of your lunch break. Play a quick game of racquetball, make a speedy gym visit, go for a jog or take a brisk walk (use some light hand weights for a bonus workout).

  4. Step 4

    Stretch at your desk. This reduces muscle tension, gets your circulation moving and prepares you for more strenuous activity later.

  5. Step 5

    Do some chores. Mow the lawn or rake the leaves for 20 minutes. Housework burns calories, and you have to get the work done anyway.

  6. Step 6

    Play games with your kids. Shoot some hoops, play some hopscotch or toss a ball.

Tips & Warnings
  • New moms can join an aerobics class specially designed for moms and their babies. You can network with other moms, stay fit and keep an eye on the baby.
  • Enlist the company of a buddy - you can support and motivate one another.
  • Carry around a notebook and keep a record of your activities and their duration. As time goes on, increase the amount of exercise per day.

Comments  

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on 7/15/2009 I have a really busy lifestyle and between two kids, a husband and a job it can be super difficult to squeeze in exercise daily. After having my second baby I discovered ExerciseTV. I didn't have time to leave to the gym and the expenses for a personal trainer were ridiculous. With ExerciseTV I am able to workout at home, on my TV and for free! Right now I am really loving the celebrity trainer workout series Jennifer Galardi (Adrien Grenier's trainer) is super awesome and totally kicks my butt! I highly recommend it

www.exercisetv.tv

Quickstar said

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on 7/9/2009 That reminds me, I need to invest in a basket ball! So when my girls are playing at the park I can shoot some hoops! Thanks for all the great tips on How to Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule!

heatherfb said

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on 7/9/2009 This is a great article, another tip is to schedule it as an appointment on your calender.

margalik said

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on 7/9/2009 I use my lunch hour to go to the local gym.

ceholmes said

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on 7/9/2009 Finding a work out that you really love will make it easier to work it into your schedule. Great article with helpful tips! Thanks for posting! 5*

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