tips for fitting in fitness

Some simple tips for fitting in fitness:

• Wake up a little earlier — start by setting your alarm clock just five minutes earlier. Do stretches and star jumps before getting in the shower, or follow a short on-demand exercise online.
  

• Get fit with a friend — exercising with a friend is more fun and a good motivator. Ask a work colleague, a friend or neighbor if they'd like to join you for a walk, or see if any fancy joining a local exercise class when they're taking new class members. You're more likely to stick to plans if you know someone is depending on you.
  

• Change into exercise clothes before leaving work — you'll be ready for a brisk walk or bike ride as soon as you get home, or feel more motivated to stop at the gym if you are already dressed for it.
  

• Schedule your fitness activities — if you book exercise into your diary like other appointments, you're more likely to do it.
  

• Acknowledge your successes — keep a record of all the times you make a healthy choice to be more active. E.g. taking the stairs instead of the lift. At the end of each month, look back at your achievements and reward yourself with a new pair of trainers or a water bottle etc.
  

• Create a home (or desk) gym — if you have equipment handy, it will be easy to use when you have a spare 10 minutes. A skipping rope, stability ball, exercise bands, and dumbbells don't cost much or take up too much room.
  

• Move while you watch TV — don't sit idly — or worse, eat mindlessly — during the adverts. Do sit-ups or jog on the spot instead.
  

• Play games with your kids — next time you see your children playing outside, join in the fun. Play tag, football or catch. If your kids love video games, choose some that require you to move around. Look for ones like dancing, boxing, tennis, golf, or bowling and get family members to compete and keep it fun.
  

• Exercise while you work — raise your activity level and productivity with neck rolls or arm raises. Push your hands out to the side and then up toward the ceiling. Go for a brisk walk on your lunch break or during your daily routine and take the stairs instead of the lift.
  

• Enjoy yourself — if you don't like the activities you choose, you'll find excuses to put off doing them. So choose things you enjoy. There's such a wide array of activities you can do to keep fit, so you should be able to find the perfect activity for you.