Fit and Busy: 5 Easy Ways to Sneak Exercise into Your Day

As busy, empowered women, you know the constant juggle of work, family, and 'the rest'. It's easy to let exercise slip through the cracks when time and energy are low.

But there's that niggling feeling; you know that taking care of our future selves is so important. I've compiled the five easiest ways to fit exercise into a busy life.

No more feeling overwhelmed or guilty about neglecting your well-being. Look for simplicity and enjoyment!

1. Don't Overlook Daily Non-Exercise Movement:
   Exercise doesn't have to be confined to a specific time, place or schedule. Look for opportunities to move throughout your day. Park your car a little further away, take the stairs instead of the lift, or go for a quick walk after dinner. Stretch at your desk.  Walk and talk.  Wear trainers more to encourage a burst of running or an extra lap on the way to the shops - a daily mile.  Sneak in squats or stretches while waiting for the kettle to boil. These small bursts of movement add up and contribute to your overall activity level - your body just LOVES this!!

2. Find Movement that You Love:
   Exercise shouldn't feel like a chore - but the gym isn't for everyone. Try out different types of movement until you find something you actually enjoy. It could be dancing, swimming, yoga, walking, or even trying out a new fitness class. When you find an activity that brings you joy, you're more likely to stick with it and make it a regular part of your routine - book it in advance and don't dismiss it.

3. Exercise with Friends:
   Make exercise a social affair by finding friends or like-minded women to exercise with. Join a class together, go for walks or runs, or create a regular workout group. Not only will you stay motivated, but you'll also have fun, build connections, and hold each other accountable.

4. Think Outside the Box:
   Break free from the traditional notions of exercise and look into unconventional options. Fancy a hula hoop class, some geocaching fun, or joining a recreational sports team? (there's even walking netball, walking football and bowls - all super fun!), or how about a walking group in your community? Thinking outside the box adds that spice to your life, making it more sustainable in the long run.

5. Complete Mini Movement Sessions:
   When time is scarce, five minutes CAN make a difference. Commit to completing short movement sessions during the day. Whether it's a quick set of jumping jacks, a series of squats, or a brisk walk around the block, these mini sessions are manageable and require minimal effort and thought. Once you experience the sense of accomplishment from completing one session, you'll feel motivated to do it again and build a habit of regular movement.

Fitting exercise into your busy world doesn't have to be impossible. Follow any of these 5 suggestions, and gradually increase your activity level and prioritise your well-being - without sacrificing time or energy.

Remember, it's about finding what works for you, making movement enjoyable, and celebrating every small victory along the way.

Start today, and take the first step towards a healthier and happier future self!

I'd love to hear your favourite ways to include exercise in your busy lives - join our supportive community for more inspiration and accountability!