Between working full-time, running errands, having a decent social life and a good old fashioned rest, there isn’t much time to work out these days. I’ve been wanting to join a gym for months now but I understand that it’s just money down the drain if I only have time to go two or three times a month. So, I’ve worked out little ways that I can tone up my body while I’m on the go. I didn’t notice the difference at all… until I stopped. Ain’t that always the case? So, here are some tips…

Walk the Walk

This may seem obvious but trust me – walk everywhere. Even if it’s up to the TV to change the channel. If you have time, walk instead of taking the bus or a cab. When I’m going out at night I often walk to town. Sure, it takes almost fifty minutes but with my i-pod, the stars and other distractions, the time passes really quickly. Plus, I get some valuable me-time. Finally, always use the stairs instead of the elevator and when you do, take them two at a time. In effect, you’re doing lunges.

Get Up, Stand Up… STRAIGHT

This is soooo overrated. People don’t realise just how much good posture can do for your body. First of all, standing up automatically makes you look slimmer. Secondly, hunching over, even in the slightest way, means that your stomach muscles are lax. When you stand up straight, your abs are constantly taut which helps avoid that loose bit of lower stomach. Finally, good posture helps you keep arms slim and your breasts pert. Ask a friend or colleague to point out when you’re not standing straight because often we just don’t realise we’re doing it.

Move Your Body, Girl

Dancing is the best way to keep fit. You don’t have to go clubbing to achieve this (although I do find that partying does wonders for my figure). One of my favourite pastimes is to blast music and dance energetically while cleaning the house. It gets your blood flowing, you feel good and house-cleaning becomes more fun than chore.

One, Two Step

Watching TV is most people’s guilty pleasure. It’s just so damn easy to sit there and watch addictive shows. I counteract the guilt part of this by doing some light aerobics. It doesn’t have to be anything major. Always start off with stretching to ease the muscles and then do absolutely anything. I make it up as I go along. I tend to divide the exercises into body parts: arms, abs, legs and butt. Usually I do five sets of twenty for each section. Exercises include but are not limited to: sit-ups, push-ups, dumb bells, lunges and squats. Look online for some basic exercises and alternate frequently if, like me, you get bored easily.

So there you have it, four simple things you can do to help keep you fit between gym sessions. Now I’ve got to go stretch. Writing is terrible for your posture.