Things to do:

Meet all my deadlines at work, check.
Call everyone back from last week, check.
Do laundry, check.
Write next week’s list of things to do, check
Buy groceries, check.
Pay the bills, check.
Cook dinner, check.
Work out, ____. Right, like I will ever get to that!

There are some things we just cannot forget on our check-list, especially getting some exercise. Why should we exercise? Exercise can relieve stress and improve your overall appearance. Also, working out boosts our endorphins, endorphins make you happy, happiness causes smiles, and smiles, well, who doesn’t like smiles? A smile can make a person appear even more beautiful then they already are!

I hear my family and friends complain that they never have time to workout. I tell them, yes you do! Working out doesn’t always have to be a clump taken out of your day. I have never been a huge fan of gyms. What do I do as my workout regimen? I break a sweat throughout the week by hitting the soccer field for some intense play, and of course, a great workout!  The key to starting an exercise routine is finding something that works with your schedule and personality. However, some people have a life, unlike me, so I thought of some quick and easy tips for “busy” women to still get their heart rate racing, boost those endorphins, attain more energy, and get through their busy, chaotic life.

You can use these simple tips that won’t take much time out of your day, but could help boost your body into a healthier new you. Consider this:

• If you have a choice between the elevators or stairs, always choose the stairs. As you go up those stairs, try to briskly walk up just so you can get your heart rate pumping. I look at every stair climb as an opportunity to work out.
• Meeting up with a friend for coffee? Instead, strap on those walking shoes and catch up and chat while window shopping at the mall, or take a stroll down by the beach. Not only are you catching up with a friend, but both of you are getting a workout in the course of it!
• Stuck inside at a desk all day for work? Sit up straight and flex those abs while you are working. As you flex your abs, you are strengthening the muscles in the abdominals, which could help you get slimmer, tighter abs and possibly hold off on that tummy tuck.
• At home and the phone rings? Answer the phone, but stand up first. Try standing up the entire time you are on the phone. Sometimes just standing up can be a workout. (You can even flex your abs while standing up, too!)
• Waiting at the bus stop or for your coffee to be ready at Starbucks? Anytime you are forced to wait, take this as an opportunity to workout. Pace back and forth while you wait, you can also flex your abs while pacing. Don’t just stand or sit while you wait, keep moving.
• Lounging around watching your favorite sitcoms on television? Take advantage of the commercial break! Do sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, etc. During that 30 second period you could be burning extra calories.

Staying in shape does not have be a dent in your daily activities. It is not really all that complicated. I had a health education professor in college who said staying in shape only took getting that extra half-hour in your day. Which in reality, how long is thirty minutes of our day? Not long at all. So, set your alarm and wake up a half-hour earlier, get up, go jogging, walk your dog, go crazy with jumping jacks, or sit ups; do something to start your heart rate going for the day. If you are more of a routine person, you may want to consider The 30-Minute Celebrity Makeover Miracle invented by Los Angeles trainer Steve Zim. In just thirty minutes you can strength train, build muscle, and burn fat. The best part of this workout is that you can do this any time of the day; in the morning, on your lunch, after work, before bed, etc.

Make it your goal to take all that time you waste throughout the day and turn it into an opportunity to workout! You do not have to schedule time specifically for exercise, or spend hundreds of dollars on a gym membership. Turn your life into one huge gym. I guarantee you will spend less money and still see and feel a difference.

Your life is a workout; your world is the gym.

Photo credits: SheKnows and Jbabzy