Our Healthline editors share tips and tricks for incorporating physical activity into their busy daily routines. Examples include walks outside, standing or treadmill desks, and dancing with a pet to fun music.

Exercise is an important part of staying healthy.
But finding time can be challenging when it comes to balancing our busy schedules and lives with physical activity that matters.
Many of our editorial staff focused on changes they made to weave even just a few minutes of physical activity into their daily schedules, no matter how busy they might be.
Health and wellness touch everyone’s life differently. The views and opinions expressed are personal to the person sharing and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Healthline Media. All quotes are strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

“Become a morning person. I know that’s a loaded suggestion. For me — a child-free, single man with a flexible job — starting around 6 a.m. is when I have the most free time. If I don’t exercise in the morning, there’s a very good chance I won’t in the afternoon or evening for various reasons: [too tired, too lazy, happy hour, and so on.]” — Kenny, editor
“I make it the same priority as eating and sleeping. From 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., I’m either at the gym strength training or taking a fitness class. I saw this quote, ‘Exercise is a date with your future self.’ I also go for a 30-minute walk outside during my lunch or on the walking pad if the weather is not great.” — Rose, manager
“I finally got an exercise bike I can put my computer on, and I try to hop on it during meetings where I don’t need to speak or maybe don’t need my camera on. Also, walking the pups during lunch break.” — Ren, editor
“I make use of at-home workout platforms. Many have the option to filter for workouts that are a set amount of time. So, if I know I only have 15 minutes, I filter for the 10- to 15-minute workouts. If I have more time, I look for a longer workout. Getting out of the mindset that I must do a certain amount of exercise and shifting instead to the idea that any exercise is good exercise has helped.” — Megan, editorial director
“Working strictly remotely for the past nearly 10 years with increased meetings has definitely made me more stationary. If the weather is nice, I’ll go for a walk. One other change I recently made is that I’m very intentional about how much I’m sitting. I purchased a walk pad that slides under my desk, and I walk when I’m catching up on tasks or in off-camera meetings.” — Heidi, manager
“I try to work out regularly at the gym, but my kids’ schedules can sometimes undo those plans, so I’ve had to pivot throughout the years. I’ve often been able to locate a gym where I have a membership near game locations to squeeze in a workout.” — Heidi, manager
“Bike desk! [It’s better exercise than a treadmill and less motion sickness while working on a laptop]. Also, a Bellicon rebounder [trampoline with bungees] is the only thing I’ve ever found that can get my heart rate up in 2 minutes. Not to mention, it’s so much fun that it doesn’t feel like I’m exercising.” — Arielle, assistant director
“I’ll be honest, I like watching TV much more than exercising. So, I tie the two together. I got a free treadmill from a local group, and I have certain shows that I only watch while walking. Sometimes, I’ll even catch a second episode and get some extra steps in!” — Sara, editor
“Keying up some music playlist tunes while working helps break up the silence of my home office. Then, those fun, feel-good tunes start playing. They can motivate me to get on my feet for a little dance around my home office. This typically motivates the dog to investigate my sudden movement, too. Dancing with the dog in my home office for a few minutes not only benefits my health and gets my heart pumping, but it can also offer some entertainment for anyone who glances in my window at the right moment.” — Mike, editor
“Schedule walking breaks on your calendar to walk outside or around your workspace. Do squats or pushups while your lunch is warming up. That kind of stuff! Schedule exercise like you’d schedule a meeting. Fit it in and treat it like an important meeting you can’t miss.” — Ren, editor
“Walking and simple strength training using exercises learned in PT are my go-to when I’m not feeling the gym. I have trouble sleeping, so morning workouts aren’t for me. I prefer to squeeze in a walk on my lunch or after work to decompress.” — Samantha, editor
“For me, there’s a bit of an accountability angle. I am a member at a studio where you have to sign up for classes ahead of time [either in person or on livestream], so I try to plan out my week with these and then stick to them. There’s a penalty if you cancel too close to the class time, so I feel more obligated to go when I sign up [and I always feel better when I go].” — Siobhan, director
“I schedule workout classes in the morning. If you don’t show up, they charge an additional fee on top of however much the class costs. I really struggle to get up in the morning, but the motivation of losing money ensures I make it.” — Sarah, editor
“Get a friend involved! During hangouts, schedule some gym time. This way, it’s a social and healthful experience.” — Sarah, editor
“I usually meet with friends at restaurants when it’s cooler out, and when it warms up, we go for walks instead.” — Siobhan, director
No matter the type of exercise or physical activity, research shows it has
Remember, change doesn’t happen over time. You can start small and be happy about those little wins in your life. As new changes become habits, look for more healthy changes you can layer on.
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