10 Ways to Sneak Exercise Into Your Day

Squeeze in more exercise without interrupting your busy schedule.

By: Carley Knobloch

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: iStockPhoto/nd3000

Photo By: iStockPhoto/Bedya

Photo By: iStockPhoto/Marco Piunti

Photo By: iStockPhoto/YoungOldman

Photo By: iStockPhoto/G-Stock Studio

Photo By: TaskRabbit

Photo By: iStockPhoto/Maxim Kostenko

Watch Your Favorites During Workouts

True, some experts say that workouts are optimized when we don't multitask. But if watching your favorite show on your tablet means you'll spend more minutes on the treadmill, that's a tradeoff that pays off.

Commute to Work

You have to take the trip to work anyway, so this time is as free as it comes. If the weather works with you, try biking or walking part of the way.

Set the Alarm Early

Set your alarm just 15 minutes early to do some stretches and light cardio before your morning shower. Do them regularly, and you'll see a difference in days.

Get Rid of Time Wasters

An app like Caato Time Tracker tells you exactly where your time is going and makes it easy to get rid of time wasters. Turn it off anytime you stop working, and you may find yourself getting much more efficient.

Be Strict About Scheduling

Don't postpone your workout whenever something else comes up. Put it on your calendar, set up a reminder and protect your time to exercise.

Make Lunch Hour Power Hour

Head for a nearby park, speed walk the streets around your building or even do laps on the stairs in your building. Use a fitness tracker to help keep track of steps and exercise time.

Try a Mini Workout

The internet is awash with quick workouts you can do at home for free. Search for "mini workout" on YouTube to find a huge variety that takes only a few minutes apiece.

Delegate Your Errands

Still can't find enough hours in the day? TaskRabbits can run errands for you, so you'll have time to work out for much less than the price of a personal trainer.

Stretch at Your Desk

Sitting at a desk for eight-plus hours a day takes a toll on the body. To fit a little movement into your day and relieve stress, try some simple and inconspicuous yoga stretches at your desk. Start with a high altar pose then move through eight additional movements, ending with a bridge stretch.

Get Fit While Getting Stuff Done

Have a long list of housework to conquer? You can get that to-do list done and squeeze in moderate exercise at the same time. Weeding, raking, planting seeds, mowing, doing the dishes, vacuuming and mopping are all surprisingly active tasks. They may not give you a six-pack, but they definitely burn some calories.