Five Simple Exercises To Do When Time Is Tight

by Mary Ellen Coffey
 
We know it's not only difficult to plan time for exercise, but sometimes it's harder to gather the energy to do it. Especially when you spend the majority of your time at your job, and/or taking care of your families needs. Considering your schedule, possibly it's just not practical for you to exercise first thing in the morning, and by the end of your day you have nothing left, so exercising is the last thing you want to think about. Right about now that couch looks pretty good!

But, it's during these busy times in your life when it's very important to make that time and take care of yourself physically. 

Could that sound selfish?  "What?! Take time for me? But I have so much to do!"
 
We've all been there, and it's not selfish. Because taking care of yourself is necessary and should be a priority. The top of your list. #1 is Exercise.
 
Here's five simple exercises you can do to increase your strength and energy during your busy week. You don't have to do them all at once to receive the benefits. Do them throughout your day, anywhere you want. In the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, back yard, baby room, work.... anywhere!
 
The important thing here is to just get them done.  These exercises are simple, practical and doable. Circuit through one to three times. Aim for three or four times per week to help you develop body awareness and base strength.
 
Do each exercise for 30 seconds then rest 15 seconds and move on to the next exercise.

1. Squats  Butt back as you squat (sit) down, thighs at least parallel to the floor, keep your chest and eyes forward, push thru your heels to stand up and squeeze your butt cheeks together tight at the top, yes that matters!
2. Push Ups On your knees, hands on a counter, or the floor, anyway you want, it's all good! Hands are shoulder width apart or slightly wider. Keep your elbows close to your body as you drop down. The core stays tight as if bracing for a punch. Push yourself  back to starting position.
3. Reverse Fly Squeeze Stand tall with good posture, arms out straight in front of your body shoulder height, palms up. Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears. Arms stay straight while bringing them backwards and squeezing your shoulder blades together. 
4. Plank Knee Touch Plank position on forearms, body is straight from shoulder to ankle. While staying in the plank position lightly touch both knees to the floor and back up to straight plank position.
5. Superman 4 point position. Knees and hands on floor, knees under hips, hands under shoulders, back flat and parallel to the floor. Straighten your right arm reaching forward as you straighten your left leg back pushing thru your heel. The hips stay pointed towards floor, reach and stretch, alternate right side and left side.

 
This workout is geared towards those having difficulty establishing an exercise routine. When time is tight during your week this is a perfect way to introduce exercise movement into your days. A little bit here, and a little bit there helps more than you realize. Before you know it you'll be exercising regularly, and enjoying the many benefits that come with a regular exercise routine.