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Tips for Staying in Shape When You Lead a Busy Career/Life
August 12, 2009
The summer always offers a great opportunity to get outside more than usual because of the incredible weather. That usually leads my girlfriends and I to have discussions on what we can do to get more exercise throughout the rest of the year because we all lead such busy lives. Here’s a list of advice I compiled based on all of those discussions:
- Always take the stairs: Skip taking the elevator and walk up and down using the stairs. As one girlfriend told us, “I’ll climb up the stairs, walk across the building and back down the stairs on the other side, just to go to a meeting on the same floor I’m on. It gives me a few extra minutes of exercise and allows me to clear my mind before heading into my next meeting.”
- Park further away: Forget circling the parking lot for a space up front. Try purposely parking a ways away to increase the distance you’ll walk to and from your vehicle each day.
- Go for a walk during lunch: Before you eat lunch, try going for a walk. Walk alone to clear your thoughts and relax or grab a friend for some animated discussion while you walk. One girlfriend noted, “I always drink a glass of water before I go for my lunchtime walk. It not only keeps me hydrated but it also seems to lower my appetite because I’m never as hungry after my walk.”
- Exercise or stretch while on conference calls: A friend suggested this and I’ve actually started trying this. When you’re on a conference call (and no one can see you) try a few exercises by your desk such as leg lifts, arm stretches, squats, etc. Just be sure to put your phone on mute so no one hears any heavy breathing on the line! It’s actually amazing how this can decrease stress and make you feel more energized in the middle of the day or when feeling sluggish by late afternoon.
- Decrease your television time: Instead of television, go for a walk around the block with your husband or a friend and chat while you walk. Or, take your kids to the park instead of everyone sitting in front of the TV.
What are your favorite tricks/tips to stay in shape with a busy life? Please share them in the comments section of this blog and help other women.
~ Lisa Quast
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