Finding time and significant motivation to exercise can be difficult.
This is especially if you have a family and you have to work full time.
The good news is that there are many ways you can sneak it in, and in more than just one muscle group.
I have used most of these suggestions with good results.
They may not all fit into your lifestyle, but they may give you ideas as to what you *can* do.
10,000 Steps a Day:I have to admit, I never made it to 10,000, but I got fairly close a few times.
It's very simple.
All you'll need is an inexpensive pedometer and a comfortable pair of shoes.
The idea is that you take 10,000 steps a day.
This equals about five miles, so every 2000 steps is a mile.
How do you find time to do this?Park your car as far away in the parking lot as you can and walk to your destination from there.
Go for a walk at lunch.
If you work in a store, pace around when you aren't helping a customer or doing other parts of the job at hand.
Just walk.
Climb the Stairs:Unless you live or work in a skyscraper, using the stairs over the elevator and escalator can sneak in a good workout.
It also works a different set of muscles from walking, which is a good thing.
Belly Tuck:Remember mom telling you to pull your stomach in?Well, doing that can also be part of a belly shaping exercise at your desk.
Just pull it in, hold it for five seconds and relax it.
If you aren't in shape, you will probably feel it after doing a set of ten.
Slowly work your way up from there and you may be surprised at how soon you need a smaller pants size.
Cardio Cinema:Some gyms have a really nice set up where you can use exercise equipment while you watch a movie.
If you don't belong to one but do have a bike, you can do something similar.
Let me tell you, once you are absorbed in the movie, you won't realize how much time has gone by when you look at the monitor.
This is easier than a book or magazine because you don't have to get distracted by turning pages.
Arm stretches:This exercise can have two benefits.
The first, of course is that it may help tone your arms and shoulders.
The second is that it might help you avoid carpal tunnel if you sit at a computer all day.
There are three that I do, and I do them about every twenty minutes to half an hour.
Lace your fingers together, palm outward and make a pushing motion until your arms are fully extended in front of you.
Do this several times.
It gets the blood flowing and lets the nerves in your wrist have a break.
The second is to rotate my shoulders.
Sitting in one position all day can make your shoulder joint stiff, so this movement helps there.
The third is to straighten my shoulders as far back as I can, while sitting up straight.
That helps work the kinks out of your back.
Exercise is fifty percent of getting to and maintaining a healthy weight.
Even if you don't have time for the gym, you may find you have time to sneak these exercises in.