10 Ways to Fit in Exercise

The benefits of regular exercise are unrivaled: Physical activity can help you lose weight and prevent a host of ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Being fit also can help you stay mentally sharp.
While most people know they should exercise, you may not know where to start or how to fit it into a busy schedule. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity spread out over 5 days a week.

Here are 10 Ways to Get in Exercise:

1. Be less efficient: People typically try to think of ways to make daily tasks easier. If you make them harder, you can get more exercise. Example: Bring in one bag of groceries from the car at a time so you can make more trips".
2. Shun labor- saving devices- Wash the car by hand rather than taking it to the car wash, push meow your yard instead of using the riding lawn mower.
3. Going somewhere? Take the long way- Walking up and down a few flights of stairs each day can be good for your heart.
4. Be a morning person- Studies show that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick with it.
5. Write it down- Weather morning, afternoon, or evening pick the time that is most convenient for you to exercise and write it down in your daily planner.
6. Watch your step- Investing in a good pedometer can help you stay motivated.
7. Hire the Right help- While weight training is important, if you don't know what you are doing you run the risk of injuring yourself or not being effective. You can by a weight-training DVD and follow along in your living room.
8. Keep records- Grab a diary or logbook, and every day that you exercise, write down what you did and for how long.
9. Phone a friend- Find someone who likes the same activity that you do, walking in the neighborhood, riding bikes, playing tennis and make a date to do it together.
10. Do what you like- Whatever exercise you choose, be sure it's one that you enjoy. You're more likely to stick with it if it's something you have fun doing rather than something you see as a chore.

If you can't fit 30 minutes a day into your schedule, get more exercise simply by being less efficient with your chores and adding a little extra walking distance in as you go.