When you have a million and one things to accomplish on your to-do list for the day, completing a workout sometimes feels like the last thing you have time to do. There is no need to feel ashamed when you miss a workout due to a high stress day. However, getting in some exercise is better than none and is much easier than you might think. Simple exercises that can be done anywhere at any time are your best friend on your busiest days. Keep reading for four of my best tips to maximize your time so you can squeeze in exercise when it seems like you have no time.
- Wake up Earlier
Waking up even just 15-20 minutes earlier than normal can have a huge impact on your exercise goals for the day. Spending your first moments doing some simple push ups or sit-ups will get your body warmed up and ready for the day.
If you are not a morning person, try laying in bed and doing some bed stretches first thing in the morning. Instead of waking up and looking at your phone for 10 minutes, spend that time stretching your muscles. Stretching in the morning opens up your muscles, improves circulation and relieves tension. Doing this will surprise you by how much better you will feel throughout the day. Consciously giving yourself and your body that time in the morning will allow you to start the day stronger and be prepared for what the busy day holds.
- Maximize Your Daily Activities
After your morning has started, engaging your muscles and maximizing your daily activities can have an impact on your exercise goals for the day. Routine things such as brushing your teeth, making your bed, or cooking dinner can be turned into a mini workout if you do them with intention.
For example, when brushing your teeth, stand on one leg to work on balance and alternate while you brush. While waiting on your shower water to warm up, grab your shampoo and do some bicep curls. When doing house chores, turn your sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming into a more vigorous clean. These chores will then become a task that not only helps your house but helps you burn a significant number of calories. Little things like these that you would not normally think of throughout your day can be turned into something with purpose and benefit your body!
- Make Phone Calls Mobile
During most busy days, you are bound to have many phone calls. Whether the phone call is a short call to a doctor or a long phone-in meeting during your workday, you can utilize the time by pacing around the room while on the line. Staying in motion increases your calorie burn and if you are staying motivated while tackling your day, then this will be an easy one to do. Even a few minutes of walking around will make a difference and break up your day if you have been sitting for a long time.
- Stand Up!
Of course, during a non-stop day, sitting down might be the one thing you are looking forward to. When days get hectic, our bodies naturally get tired and need to rest. However, even during your busiest day, spend a few minutes here and there standing instead of sitting. Whether it be waiting for your morning coffee or during a break hour at work, standing up rather than sitting down is beneficial to the body, easy to do and will keep you in line with your healthy lifestyle.
Turning the simple tasks into a purposeful workout will not replace an intense workout session. However, when our life gets crazy, we can do what we can to maintain our health. Although some of these tasks may not seem like physical activity and are very low intensity, taking these steps to better yourself will leave you feeling accomplished when you finally get to rest at the end of the day!
