It can be easy to put some exercise into your life

Wed., Aug. 31, 2005

It’s easyto fall into a rut with your fitness routine. The hardest part about staying fit is finding a convenient time to exercise – and sticking to it!

In today’s busy world, trying to balance work and family leaves little time to squeeze in an effective workout. But we all recognize that making exercise a priority is an essential step towards promoting healthy physical and mental well-being.

The question is where do you find the time? Here are some easy ways to work fitness into your daily routine – no fancy, expensive fitness equipment or gym membership required.

1. Rise and shine! Rise 30 minutes before you usually do. Use that time to go for a quick jog around the block or to take a fast walk on the treadmill. Sure, you won’t catch as many Zs, but you’ll be full of energy to get you through the rest of the day.

2. Be a couch potato. No, that doesn’t mean sitting in front of the TV with a bag of chips. Take advantage of your tube time to squeeze in mini workouts. Sit in a rocking chair to improve strength and flexibility in your knees. Lift weights as you watch a talk show. Ride a stationary bike during your favorite reality series, or walk on a treadmill as you indulge in a TV movie. Even getting up to fix yourself a healthy snack or folding laundry during commercials can help burn calories.

3. Take the stairs. Stairs aren’t just for public places. Take the laundry from the basement to your bedroom. Walk up and down the steps like Rocky Balboa for a mini workout.

4. Clean like you mean it. House-cleaning is a necessary evil so use those chores to your advantage. Stretch to reach that top dusty shelf. Squat as you vacuum the living room floor. Bend to load and unload the dishwasher. Strengthen your arms and back as you rake or hoe your garden.

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