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How to Fit Exercise into Your Schedule

Tight on Time? How to Stick to a Fitness Routine

-- By Shape.com
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Biggest Obstacle: Staying motivated
Easy Fixes:
  1. Wake up 15 minutes early to squeeze in a mini strength session. Since there are usually fewer conflicts at 6 a.m. than there are at 6 p.m., morning exercisers tend to stick to their routines better than people who work out later in the day.
     
  2. Make the most out of equipment you have access to. In the mood for a new look? Redecorate your home. Moving your furniture around for 15 minutes burns 101 calories.*
     
  3. Change into your workout wear immediately when you get home. That way you won't be tempted to just laze around on the couch.
Biggest Obstacle: Inconsistency and boredom
Easy Fixes:
  1. Try new activities such as yoga and Spinning to add variety to your workouts. Don't belong to a gym? You can do these workout videos at home.
     
  2. Find group classes that are convenient for you.
     
  3. Do activities you actually enjoy. One hour of shopping burns 146 calories*!
Biggest Obstacle: Travel
Easy Fixes:
  1. If you have a choice of hotels, book those with good gyms or near outdoor recreation areas. If you'll be stuck in your room, pack a lightweight resistance band or tube to do strength moves.
     
  2. Instead of hopping on the elevator to get to your hotel room, take the stairs. Walking up stairs for five minutes burns 41 calories*.
     
  3. If you don't feel like exercising, plan an easy workout for the minimum time.
Biggest Obstacle: Finding gym time
Easy Fixes:
  1. Get a workout buddy. Research shows that when dieters embark on a healthy eating program with a friend, they're more likely to stick with it.
     
  2. Take it outdoors. 30 minutes of the following activities will have you burning calories and having a good time:
    Bicycling (mountain): 259 calories
    Backpacking: 215 calories
    Rock Climbing: 336 calories
     
  3. Schedule the majority of your workouts for Monday through Friday. That way you'll have 10 opportunities to exercise between Monday and Friday. If you miss a workout you can make it up on either Saturday or Sunday since you don't already have a workout scheduled.
* Calorie information based on a person weighing 135 lbs.

See the original article on Shape.com.

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About The Author

SHAPE magazine SHAPE magazine
is dedicated to helping you live a healthy and happy life. Find more stories like this on diets, fitness, healthy eating and recipes at Shape.com.

Member Comments

  • SARAHS1972
    Another way to get exercise that I heard of but haven't done myself is to carry the things that need to go upstairs or downstairs one at a time. - 4/18/2012 7:41:14 AM
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  • KCDEBI
    I'm imagining my husband's reaction if I rearranged the living room furniture every morning - 8-D - 4/17/2012 11:20:40 AM
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