You know you need to exercise more, but your busy schedule makes working out seem out of the question? Let go of the idea that you have to invest hours at the gym to stay fit, and try some of these tried and true tricks to stay toned.

Take advantage of lunch break opportunities. Set yourself up such that you have to eat far from where you work. Force yourself to walk both ways, taking the stairs whenever possible and bringing coworkers or your laptop with you if you need to work over lunch.

Commit yourself to at least ten minutes a day exercising. Make ten minutes of exercise–sit ups, planks, push ups, squats–a part of your bedtime routine.

Sacrifice two mornings (or late nights) a week. Exercise will give you more energy, so it’ll actually counter the fact that you’re losing out on sleep on those two incredibly valuable days a week. Designate two days a week as sacred exercise days, and go to the gym at some ungodly hour for a vigorous workout. Treat those mornings like special dates, making those the best workouts of the week.

Turn weekend errands and chores into a workout. Make yourself walk as much as possible while running errands (park far away, make yourself walk fast) and turn the loading and unloading of bags into a workout by bending your knees, lifting them high, etc. Do something similar when performing chores. Take advantage of the physical challenges presented by vacuuming, scrubbing, and putting away laundry.

Relax by engaging in active hobbies. Instead of reading, meet a friend for a hike. Replace video games with a game outside. Replace sedentary hobbies with athletic or active hobbies.

If you look for alternatives, you’ll find it’s possible to cram exercise into even the most overflowing schedule.

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