How to Exercise When You Don’t Have Time

One of the most common excuses people give for not exercising is that they just don’t have the time. And I get it. After all, we’re all busier than ever before. We work longer hours and run more errands. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for exercising. You can always find the time. It’s just a matter of making some small, simple lifestyle changes.

• Park far away—Whether you’re going to work, the grocery store, or your apartment, try parking far away so you can get some walking in. The difference between parking up front and at the back of the parking lot can really start to add up, helping you burn 100 or more extra calories throughout the day. Not only that, you’ll no longer have to spend time circling around the parking lot looking for a good spot. Now that’s a win-win in my book.

• Take the stairs—Stop riding the elevator. Instead, find the nearest staircase and hoof it up to your destination. Do your best to keep a good pace while going up the stairs. If you don’t take the stairs often, you might get winded or feel some tightness, but push through it. Walking the stairs is a powerful exercise that can get some remarkable results.

• Do small exercises when you have a break—Instead of being a couch potato while you watch TV, take advantage of commercial breaks by doing some sit-ups, pushups, or calf raises during those few minutes. You can also do these exercises in your office when you have a 5 or 10 minute break at work.

• Keep a resistance band nearby—You can get a decent resistance band for a few bucks at your local Target or Wal-Mart. Resistance bands are lightweight and portable, and they allow you to do an array of muscle-building exercises. Keep one in your office and one at home so you can get some exercise in while talking on the phone or watching TV.

• Carry your bags to your car—If you’re like me, you go to the grocery store at least once a week. I like to take my own reusable bags because they can hold more items without tearing. This allows me to consolidate my groceries usually into a few bags that I can carry at once. Instead of pushing the cart out to my car, I can carry my bags and get a mini-workout. If you park far away like I recommended in the first point, this can be pretty effective.

• Walk your dog—Another win-win. Walking your dog gives you a chance to get outside and get some exercise, and it makes your dog happier and healthier. An active dog that gets enough exercise is less likely to tear up your home or to get into other trouble when you’re away. Win-win.

Do you have any ideas for exercising when there’s no time? Share your best tips by leaving a comment.