These days everyone seems to be so busy they can hardly fit in time to exercise and stay healthy. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your life and seem to have no more than a few minutes to spare, that’s okay because studies have shown 10 minute segments of exercise throughout the day work just as effectively to lose weight and get fit as a half or one hour segment.
Here are some tips to help you find those few minutes and use them efficiently to get fit.
- If you go outside in the morning to pick up the paper, go for a brisk 5 minute walk as well. That will be 10 minutes by the time you return.
- If you are caring for a baby or an ill person, do 10 minutes on the treadmill or exercise bike while they nap.
- No exercise machine? No worries! Burn 90 calories in 10 minutes with jumping jacks instead.
- Waiting for the kettle, toaster or a pot to boil? Push in and out against the kitchen counter from an arm’s length away to tone your arms and strengthen your shoulders.
- Kids gone outside to play? Join them to play tag or throw and chase a Frisbee or ball. Great exercise and they’ll love it too.
- Got time to watch TV? Raise and lower your legs and make circles with your feet. Lifting both feet off the floor helps to tighten the tummy muscles. Run on the spot while the ads are on.
- When you take a child to music or ballet lessons, use the time waiting for them to exercise by walking or jogging around the block or the oval.
- If you have a doctor’s appointment, ask how long the waiting time will be. Then use it for a walk or jog.
- Walk to work if you can. Walk to lunch from work. Get the kids walking to school if it’s not too far for them and go with them. Go up stairs instead of taking the lift.
- Having a break at work? Climb up and down the stairs a few times.
- Flying? Use the time spent waiting for the plane to walk, stretch or even jog a bit.
- Pack an exercise DVD to use in the motel room.
- Book a room up off the first floor and use the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Need to clean house? Cleaning windows and shower screens is really good exercise for your arms – so is vacuuming. In fact, most house cleaning chores are great ways to exercise.
- If you’ve never had arm muscles before, you’ll very likely get them from lifting babies and toddlers up and down, once you start a family.