Let’s talk about exercise. No- don’t click away! I’m  here to help you. We all know how important exercise is for physical and emotional health, yet most of us don’t get enough exercise. Lots of people really hate it, but even those of us who actually enjoy exercising don’t do it often enough because we just don’t have enough time. If you think exercise is only about sweating in a gym, think again. There are many creative ways to get in some exercise. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

1. Walk it. Don’t be so attached to your car! Walk or bike when you can. Take along your earphones and listen to music or a podcast and think of this as time to yourself and make the most of it.
2. Take the stairs. Yep, don’t get in that elevator- walking up stairs is cardio. If you want a bigger challenge take them two at a time.
3. Don’t get the best parking spot. When you do have to drive somewhere park a little farther from your destination and walk the rest of the way. If you’re taking a bus or train get off a few stops early and walk.
4. Housework. Not the most exciting tip, I know, but if you use your housework time to help reach your fitness goals you might feel better about it. Sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, and other household chores are actually great calorie burners. Play some upbeat music while you work to make it more fun.
5. Use your waiting time. In today’s impatient world there’s nothing more annoying than waiting- waiting in line to pay, waiting for the bus, waiting for anything. We don’t have time to waste, so make use of that time by toning up. Squeeze your abs for a few seconds, release, and repeat. Do calf raises or stretches and you just made good use of your time.
6. Take a lunchtime walk. It’s a great mid-day break and it will give you a boost for the rest of the day. 15 minutes is great if that’s all you can manage.
7. Tone at your desk. If you feel like a lump sitting at your desk all day, try sitting on a stability ball. It will tone your core and help with posture.
8. Use TV time. We all need our couch potato times, and that’s okay. Other times watch while you walk on a treadmill, stretch, or lift weights.
9. Make the time. It’s hard, but not impossible, to carve out the time if you really want to. Wake up just a few minutes earlier to get in some exercise and you’ll feel good about yourself the rest of the day.
10. Get together with friends. It’s easier to do lots of things when you have the company of your friends. Call a friend and go for a walk, go dancing, or take an exercise class together.
11. Fidget. Sounds weird, but it’s true that people who fidget tend to weigh less than those who don’t. Pace while you talk on the phone, tap your feet, swing your legs. Hey, movement is movement!
12. Play with your kids. They’ll love you spending the time with them. Go for a family bike ride, get involved in their sports, or just run around together and have fun.

See…not that hard to sneak some exercise into your usual routine, and some of these suggestions are actually fun! When you think of exercise as a whole big deal it’s overwhelming and you think you can’t manage it. Believe it or not, a little bit here and there really does add up, so try these little tricks and feel yourself getting fitter!