One of the biggest reasons that people don’t exercise on a regular basis is because they can’t seem to find the time. We tend to get so wrapped up in our daily routines, that the thought of trying to squeeze anything else into an already packed and hectic schedule seems impossible. It’s easy to convince ourselves that adding exercise to our busy day is not even close to being a priority and is out of the question.
Without a doubt, developing a consistent daily exercise routine is not easy if you have never done it before. There are only so many hours in a day, and it seems that exercise, in the whole scheme of things, should not be ranked very high on the list. And so we put it off. It’s easy to do, and if this pattern looks familiar to you, don’t worry… you’ve got lots of company.
There is a way out of this, though. In fact, there are several ways to juggle, adapt and squeeze enough exercise into your busy day to create real changes in your weight and overall health. Check out the list of ideas, tips and tricks below. I think you’ll agree that what seemed an impossible, hands-off schedule before, is not so bad after all. You can do this:
1. 
Be Positive: Stop telling yourself that you can’t do this or you can’t do that. No matter how busy things may seem, if you put yourself in a positive frame of mind, there is always a solution.
2. Change Your Priorities: If you don’t prioritize exercise in your life, you will never do it. This doesn’t mean that it needs to consume your day, but just like we all find time to eat and brush our teeth, it needs to be a small part of your day. At least put it on your list!
3. Find 20 Minutes: As much as I empathize with life in a pressure cooker… anyone can find 20 minutes in their day to exercise. In 20 minutes you would be amazed at the calories you can burn, and the changes it can have on your metabolism once the intensity and tempo are high enough. Ever heard of Guerilla Cardio? (just keep reading and you will!)… That’s only one third of an hour or 1,200 seconds. You can find 20 minutes for yourself, can’t you?
4. These Boots Are Made For Walking: And that’s just what they’ll do… if you let them! Start walking when you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Make choices that give you the chance to walk. As simple as this may seem, by making these types of decisions it keeps your head in the game and shows your commitment.
5. Join A Class Or A Team: There’s got to be something that you’ve always wanted to do. Tai-Chi, tennis, a hiking club, surfing, learn to dance the Tango… it doesn’t matter what it is. Change your activities into something healthy that you will enjoy.
6. Guerilla Cardio: This is an exercise technique where you gradually increase the difficulty of your exercise every two minutes or so, until the intensity is practically all out at the end. Start out with a 2 minute warm-up and increase the tempo accordingly, giving yourself a 5 minute cool down at the end.
7. Interval Training: This is another high intensity 20 minute routine where you alternate between sprints and walking. Of course, this can be done on a treadmill or a stationary bike as well, and is highly effective with multiple benefits for weight loss. This is an advanced technique.
8. Buy Some Exercise Bands: I use exercise bands all the time and I love them. They’re cheap, I can carry them with me and they work great! Sitting at a desk, you can work out your arms for 3 minutes and put them away… a nice little portable gym.
9. Buy Some Dumbbells: Another great way to add strength training to a busy schedule is to buy some lightweight dumbbells. Take these with you a few days a week on your walk or jog, and you won’t believe the toning that it will do for your arms and shoulders.
10. Have An Indoor Plan: Reward yourself with a treadmill or buy a DVD workout to do at home. We’re only asking for 20 minutes, remember? Have a strategy in place when the weather is bad.
If you are still focused on short-term results and just want a potion or pill to do it for you, read our article to find out why diet pills don’t work.
Putting It All Together
Finding the time to exercise can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make it. This simple plan requires only 20 minutes out of your day, with several suggestions on how to make it work for you. Combine the 20 minutes with a little added walking during the day or some resistance bands while watching TV, and you will be on your way to a healthier and slimmer you.