Most people find it next to impossible to fit an exercise program into their schedule. Since we’re all so busy, most of us spend our free time relaxing; and of course inevitably we push exercise aside.

Exercise has more benefits than most people recognize. Not only does exercise keep us in shape, but it gives us more energy and subsequently the ability to get more things done. Stress reduction is another asset gained from working out and it cuts our risk for other health problems as well. If you’re having a hard time fitting exercise into your schedule try some of these tips.

Start with some exercise
Set your alarm half an hour earlier than usual. Take that extra time to do some form of exercise. Start out with a 20 or 30 minute workout just a few mornings each week.

Take Advantage of your coffee break
Forget about that extra cup of coffee. Instead, use the time for a short walk. Don’t feel like you always have to have a vigorous workout; just getting up and moving is a great beginning.

Find a gym
Look for a gym near your work and then split up your lunch hour. Spend half of it working out; the other half indulging in a short nutritious meal.

Involve your kids
Don’t avoid working out because you have young children at home. There are plenty of Mommy and Me classes you can join, or find another mom who wants to exercise and take turns watching each other’s kids.

Turn off the Tube
If you spend too much of your day watching favorite shows on television, get up, turn it off and spend some time working out. If you really can’t live without that show, leave it on and working out for as long as it’s on.

Pop in an exercise video
You probably have a few workout videos that are collecting dust somewhere in your house. Pull them out and start using them. These are really great for people who can’t set a certain schedule for work out time. You can pop in the video anytime.

Find a workout buddy
Some times, just having a friend to do exercises with makes all the difference in whether or not you continue to stick with your exercise program. Find someone who has a similar schedule and similar aspirations for results.

Set goals together, plan a schedule, mark it on a calendar and then stick with it. Even if you can’t both get together for every session, getting together for at least three times a week will help to encourage you to continue.

This could also be a good opportunity for you to improve your diet. Maybe one day a week you could plan to exercise around lunch time. Plan a healthy meal to share; trying new foods, implementing fresh veggies and fruits.

Before too long, both of you will be in top shape.

The important thing is to remember that no matter how it seems, you can always make time to do some exercises. After a while of just working out as little as half an hour daily, you’ll begin to feel so much better.