Finding Time To Exercise

Little Bits of Exercise Add Up

Exercise each time you use the microwave. If it is going for 3 minutes, do leaning push ups against the counters. For 2 minutes, do squats. For 5 minutes, you won't believe how long 5 minutes can seem, try alternating lunges or tree pose from yoga. Most of all have fun and realize how those little pieces of time are like fabric scraps one creates a marvelous quilt out of, in other words they add up!

By Robin from Needham, MA

Exercise Early

I find the best time for me to exercise is early in the morning before I do anything. First, I make sure my exercise routine is already planned the night before (Example: running, biking, weight lifting, etc). Second, I set my alarm clock for a half hour before my planned workout, so that I have time for a cup of coffee and to wake up.

After my coffee, I head to my workout area carrying my small basket that has everything already in it I will need, such as: hair bands, ear phones, my exercise videos, mp3 player, workout tablet (to record my progress), pen, reading glasses, hand towel, and a water bottle.

I work out for approximately 45 minutes, eat breakfast, take a shower, and then off to work or whatever else is on my agenda for the day. I know it makes getting up even earlier seem hard to do, but once you try it, you will be amazed at the high energy level you will have. For the rest of the day, you have the marvelous feeling of knowing you have already reached your workout goal for the day!

By RKJ79 from O'Fallon, MO

Get Exercise With a Walk Behind Mower

Like most of us, I have some extra weight that I've had trouble getting off. I can't afford the cost of a gym, and even if I could, I probably wouldn't go. I know walking is a great form of exercise, but in my area it's awfully hard because there are a lot of dogs running loose (not strays either) and many of them will chase you down.

The last time I tried to go for a walk, a huge Rottweiller came at me. If a friend hadn't happened along at that time and offered me a ride, I'd have been lunch meat!

So I came up with a way to kill 2 birds with 1 stone! My house sits on 1-3/4 acres and I used to just hop on the old riding mower and get the grass cut. This year I decided to start using the walk-behind mower. Mine is self-propelled so doesn't take much effort. But following that thing around the yard gives me a good workout!

Since my yard is so big, I do it in 3 sections. I mow every other day, doing one section at a time. That way not only do I get my exercise, but my grass stays mowed too!

The only thing that I use the rider for now, is with the lawn sweeper to pick up leaves in the spring and fall!

By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC

Wake Up Early To Exercise

I have found that the best time to exercise is first thing in the morning, that way, I don't have to find time throughout the day to try to get some exercise. I set my alarm to get up 30 minutes earlier each day.

I also keep a pair of sneakers at work so I can go for a stroll during lunch or take a 15-minute break to take a short walk. It's a great way to de-stress. I always take the steps instead of the elevator too. Plus, I keep a resistance band in my desk to do whatever exercises I can throughout the day.

If you really want to do something, you'll find a way even if it is just several mini-workouts. I figure any exercise is better than no exercise at all.

By Rachel's Mom from Wilkesboro, NC

Run Stairs During Commercial Breaks

I get at least 10 minutes of workout during commercial breaks when I watch my favorite TV shows that span for an hour or more. All I do is run up and down the stairs till the commercial is over. I also have my glass of water handy beside my chair so I don't have to go to the fridge and end up grabbing a snack instead.

By NY from Upper Darby, PA