Six Easy Ways to Be Sure You Are Fitting Exercise into Your Day

It can definitely be a challenge to keep yourself at the top of your priority list with everything else in life demanding a piece of your time – deadlines at work, family responsibilities, household chores. It doesn't take long before you're over scheduled and wondering "what about me?" We get so wrapped up in everything we have to "DO" for everybody else, that we quite often run out of time to take time for ourselves! Here are six easy strategies to be sure that you keep yourself (and your health) at the top of your priority list and can easily fit exercise into your daily routine: 1. Set your alarm to get up 30 minutes earlier than usual. Toss on your tennies and start your day with a short walk. 2. Use 5 minutes of each "break" you have at work for a few easy stretches, or a brisk walk around the building. 3. Take the stairs whenever possible. (and perhaps instead of just going up to get where you want to go... Go UP, Down, Up, Down, and UP to arrive at your desired destination! 4. If you're not one to take breaks throughout your day – set an alarm at your desk to remind you to get up from your chair and move! 5. When you get home for the day, park your car, but instead of heading directly in the house, take a walk (or jog) around the block and then go inside. 6. Before you fall asleep, lay in bed and do a few simple stretches for your arms, legs, and torso. Hug both knees to your chest. Hug one knee in. Circle your ankles. Straighten one leg (or both) to the ceiling. Lay on your side (or stomach) and bend the knee grabbing one ankle to bring the heel to your butt. Twist your spine – knees to one side then the other. Lay on your side and do big one-arm circles in both directions. Lay on your back, and roll up to touch your toes. Then lay down, relax, and enjoy a good night's sleep! (This could also be a great first-thing-in-the-morning routine.) While it's great to have the time to take an hour or longer to get in a good workout every day but studies have shown that three or four quick ten to fifteen minute workouts are equal in benefit to one long workout if your goal is to maintain general health and fitness. So take the time, or make the time to squeeze in short mini-workouts throughout your day and celebrate your commitment to improve your health and wellness!