How To Work Exercise Into Your Busy Day

We all know that we need to exercise. We hear about it on the news, we see magazine articles telling us we need to work out, and it seems that every other rack in the store features workout clothes. Even if we want to get some exercise, it can be hard for busy moms and working women to get to the gym. I know I need a few more hours in my day, I can't even begin to imagine what it's like for someone with kids! Luckily, there are quite a few ways we can work exercise into our day without having to go too far out of our way. Here are some things we can do to get moving:

• When you go to the store, don't park right up front. Instead, park toward the back of the lot (or at least in the middle) so that you have to walk farther to get in the door. This can help get you moving, especially in those really big parking lots. Carrying grocery bags or pushing a shopping cart can add to it.
• If you are going to the grocery store, go up and down every aisle rather than only the ones that have things on your list. It's not much, but the extra walking (not to mention pushing the cart) can help burn some extra calories. This is especially true in stores that are very 'spread out', like Costco or Super Walmart.
• If possible, take the stairs rather than using the elevator. Even better, carry things up the stairs.
• Play with your kids. This way, you'll get your kids moving too. This isn't a problem with some kids, but more and more kids are choosing to stay inside on the computer instead of physical activity. It's also fun and a great way to bond!
• Walk around your office building (inside or out) during your lunch or coffee break. Even better, get a colleague to walk with you. That way, you can keep each other accountable and socialize.
• If you are need to talk to someone at work about something, walk over to their office rather than calling them on the phone.
• If you take a train or subway to work, get on or off at a stop a bit farther away from your usual one and walk the extra distance.
• Sometimes I like to take commercial breaks to walk around the house or do other simple exercises. With the way my house is laid out, it's also a good time to get chores such as dusting, sweeping and mopping done.
• Walk around the block or up the street a little bit when you go to the mailbox.
• Take extra trips up the stairs in your house to do chores such as putting away laundry or cleaning rather than bringing everything up at once.

You probably didn't know it was this easy, huh? If you think about it, our normal daily activities can get you moving. If you tweak them just a little bit, you can make them even more productive! It's amazing how much exercise you can work into your day without really trying!