I love to exercise, but lately I’ve found myself short on time during the work week. Question number two of Talentedly’s 67-day challenge asks me whether I have exercised daily for ten minutes. For two consecutive days I have had to answer “no,” which got me thinking about fool-proof ways that I can incorporate at least ten minutes of exercise into my busy days.
Now that the weather has warmed up, I try to slip out of the office for a lunchtime walk — usually around two miles. But that has become a luxury these days. I find that if I don’t get some form of exercise in before leaving the office it just doesn’t happen that day. So here are a few ways I’ve been able to squeeze it in. Some are unconventional, but exercise is exercise!
Impromptu dance party (in my living room): I know this might not burn as many calories as a five mile run, a barre class or two hours in the gym, but when I’m short on time (and energy), cranking up the tunes and making up a routine as I go is a great way to get my heart pumping.
Planking/sit-ups/push-ups (in front of the tv): This is a great remedy for when it’s 10 p.m. and I have completely abandoned my exercise goals for the day. I’ll alternate between holding a plank pose for a couple minutes to doing some push-up variations before finishing it up with sit-ups or crunches. If I’m really ambitious, I resort to holding chair pose during commercials.
Sun Salutation: This is reserved for those days when I’m stressed and stiff (read: in need of a yoga class!). If you are not familiar with the sun salutation poses, check out YouTube for some demonstrations. What I love about this is that I can incorporate my own variations and make it as challenging or as easy as I need for that day. It will definitely get your heart rate up and make you more supple!
Take the stairs: I try always to take the stairs, but if I know that exercise is not in my immediate future, I make an extra effort to climb the stairs multiple times a day and at a brisk pace. If no one is around, I skip steps and run up them as fast as possible.
Find a time that works for you: I would probably be able to exercise regularly if I devoted a consistent time each day to it. But since no two days are alike for me, it’s easier said than done. I like to exercise around mid-day. I find that it’s a good break for my mind and I come back ready to tackle my afternoon a bit more refreshed.
How do you include exercise in your day? Any tips for when you are short on time?
This is a great list of ideas. Impromptu dance parties are the best for cardio!! Another good one is 50 squats first thing in the morning or before bedtime. My friend and I have been challenging ourselves with that one for a couple of weeks! Tough to remember to do, but worth it!!
♥
Amber
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Thanks for the tip, Amber! Squats are great exercise, and doing them first thing in the morning helps you cross exercise off your to-do list. I’m going to give it a try!
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– Vanessa
I love these ideas! I often feel too busy, but the truth is I could totally make 10 minutes of time! I love these suggestions!
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Such a great post and a really well needed one at that! Thanks for the inspo!
XO JNESS
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Great tips, love the impromptu dance party lol! I have a treadmill in my house so I like to run there while watching Netflix.
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These tips are very useful. I too have been lagging in the exercise department. Simply having a mini dance party for a few songs is a workout itself! :]
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Ah, I have had the exact same problem. I love working out, but I can never find time to actually get it done! Lovely tips dear!
I love stretching first thing in the morning. And I tend to park as far away from the entrance in a store parking lot as possible!
x
Kira
Stretching is great to do first thing in the morning! I try to park as far away as I can too – every little bit of exercise counts. Thanks for these tips, Kira!
– Vanessa