Time, we don’t seem to ever have enough of it. Due to everyday tasks, work and responsibilities, it really feels like we need extra hours in the day. Additionally, with all of the pressure of day-to-day activities, there is no way we can exercise, right?

WRONG!

Implementing exercise into our lives is not only ideal but also necessary. Exercising keeps our body active, our minds sharp and our melatonin (those feel-good biochemicals) flowing. Some experts recommend at least 30 minutes a day for weight loss and fitness but studies show that people that split their exercise routines into 10-minute increments are more likely to exercise consistently and lose more weight.

Here are some quick exercise ideas to help you incorporate workouts into your busy lifestyle:

Interval Training
This type of training helps you get the most out of your time by alternating between two different activities typically in short intervals of time. An example routine can include walking briskly for five minutes, doing a minute of jumping jacks and then return to walking.

Chair Dips
Sit on the edge of a chair, with your hands next to hips. Slide your bottom off the edge and bend your elbows to 90 degrees. Be sure to keep your back close to the chair, and then push back up. Do 10 to 12 repetitions.

Chair Squats
Stand in front of a chair, feet hip-distance apart, toes forward. Lean the chest slightly forward. Bend your knees, tap your bottom on the chair and then stand up. Keep your weight in your heels and keep your knees over toes. Do 10 to 12 repetitions.

Butterfly Abs
Lie on your back and place the soles of your feet together; relax your knees out to each side. Place your hands behind head, with elbows out. Tighten your abs, lift your chest and shoulders up, then release them back down. Do 10 to 12 repetitions.

Oblique Crunches
Lie on your back, with your knees bent. Cross your left ankle over the opposite knee. Place the right hand behind head and lift your right shoulder toward left knee. Release your body down slowly. Do 10 to 12 reps, and then switch sides.

Standing Hip Extension
Stand with your feet hip-distance apart. Shift your weight to the right foot, and extend the left leg behind then lift and lower your left foot, while placing tension in your behind. Use a chair for balance. Do 12 to 15 repetitions, then switch.

Exercise does not have to be a heavy burden on your schedule. The exercises above and even small steps like parking further away from entrances, or even taking the stairs are a great way start. What do you do to stay active within your busy lifestyle? Share them on our Facebook page.